El-Rufai returns to Court following mother’s burial as trial resumes
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has returned to the Kaduna State High Court as legal proceedings against him continue shortly after the burial of his mother.
El-Rufai is facing multiple charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), including allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.
Last week, he was arraigned before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on the alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as financial crimes. He had been in detention for over a month before being produced in court.
The court had earlier scheduled March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including his bail request. However, on March 27, the ICPC granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo.
The former governor received condolence visits from several prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, among others.
Leaders across political divides also paid their respects, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
On Tuesday, El-Rufai appeared again before the Kaduna court alongside co-defendant Amadu Sule to face charges related to alleged fraud and abuse of office. He is also expected to be taken before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail application will be heard.
