Kaduna Governor El-Rufai appears in court as proceedings get underway

On Monday, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, made an appearance at the Kaduna State High Court as the trial initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) progressed.

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Just before entering the courtroom, El-Rufai was overheard inquiring about the upcoming African Democratic Congress national convention, which is set to take place on Tuesday, asking "So tomorrow is our convention, right?"

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An associate responded to El-Rufai's query with "Insha Allah (God willing)", indicating a sense of uncertainty or hope.

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El-Rufai is currently standing trial alongside Amadu Sule, facing several charges that include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

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In a separate case at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, also brought by the ICPC, El-Rufai is facing a 10-count charge that involves alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud, with the total amount in question being ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.

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Despite the numerous allegations against him, El-Rufai has consistently maintained his innocence and denied all charges.

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Since his return from Cairo, Egypt on February 12, 2026, the former governor has found himself entangled in multiple complex legal proceedings.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initially took El-Rufai into custody before transferring him to the ICPC, and he was later granted a temporary release on compassionate grounds to attend his mother's burial, after which he returned to custody.

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A bail hearing for El-Rufai, scheduled to take place at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, is set for April 14, coincidentally on the same day as the ADC convention.

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The ADC has made allegations that the ongoing prosecution of El-Rufai is driven by political motivations, a claim that the ruling All Progressive Congress has vehemently rejected.