By John Umeh
Effizzie Magazine Political Analyst
As Former Kaduna Governor Faces New Allegations
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has brought a fresh nine-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations bordering on fraud, abuse of office, and procurement violations.
The amended charge was presented before the Kaduna State High Court on Monday, where the prosecution modified earlier filings and removed one of the previously listed defendants, leaving El-Rufai as the sole accused.
Speaking after the court session, defence counsel Ukpong Abang said the legal team received the updated charges shortly before proceedings began, leaving little time to review the allegations.
According to him, the defence would need adequate time to study the documents before responding formally to the accusations.
“We were served the amended charges in court this morning. We need time to go through them carefully before taking any further step,” he said.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to Tuesday, April 14, to deliver its ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application after taking his plea.
Details of the Allegations
In the charge marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/2026, the anti-graft agency accused the former governor of multiple infractions allegedly committed during his tenure in office.
One of the counts alleged that in 2016, El-Rufai influenced the Kaduna State Government to approve about ₦11 billion for a light rail project awarded to Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited, which investigators claim was never executed.
The ICPC also alleged that the former governor approved severance benefits amounting to roughly ₦289.8 million for himself, exceeding the legally approved ₦20 million.
Other allegations include the alleged diversion of more than $1 million from a World Bank loan meant for Kaduna State, attempts to compromise investigators, and violations of procurement regulations linked to a multi-billion-naira CCTV contract.
The charges further referenced alleged unlawful land allocations and claims of conferring undue advantage on associates.
Previous Detention and Court Proceedings
El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned before Justice Darius Khobo alongside businessman Amadu Sule on related allegations.
The former governor was detained by the ICPC from February 19 until March 28, when he was temporarily released on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial.
With the amended charges now filed and bail ruling pending, the case is expected to move into a new phase as both prosecution and defence prepare for what may become a closely watched legal battle involving one of Nigeria’s most prominent former governors.
