Former Kaduna Governor Faces Court Over Alleged Fraud and Money Laundering

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a Federal High Court in Kaduna on multiple counts of alleged corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office.

During the court session, El‑Rufai appeared under tight security to answer 10 separate charges claiming he unlawfully acquired large sums of money while serving as governor and after leaving office.

According to the charge sheet, two of the counts allege that El‑Rufai received approximately N289 million as a severance payment far beyond what he was legitimately entitled to, and that he knowingly accepted the funds in violation of anti‑money‑laundering laws.

Additional allegations involve deposits totalling about $797,900 into a foreign currency bank account, allegedly traced to various individuals. Prosecutors assert that El‑Rufai was aware the money came from unlawful activities.

Another count accuses him and a co‑defendant of attempting to disguise the origin of a smaller cash sum in a way that could breach anti‑money‑laundering statutes.

The ICPC also revealed a related case filed in a state court, where El‑Rufai and another individual face additional charges including abuse of office and fraud.

El‑Rufai’s legal team reminded the court of a pending petition about the judge’s impartiality, and the hearing was adjourned with plans to discuss bail and other applications later.

While the anti‑graft agency maintains it will pursue the case, El‑Rufai has also filed a separate suit challenging the legality of a search of his residence and is seeking damages over alleged violations of his rights.

Proceedings in the corruption case have been paused until the end of March as lawyers prepare further submissions in both matters.