Fresh Corruption Case Hits El-Rufai, ICPC Moves To Transfer Him To Kaduna

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is set to be transferred to Kaduna to face a fresh corruption trial, according to Ireporter Online. The former governor remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as arrangements are reportedly being made for his relocation from Abuja to Kaduna.

A senior security official confirmed that El-Rufai would be moved to Kaduna for the new proceedings, though details of the charges and the trial timeline have yet to be disclosed.

The development follows a legislative investigation by the Kaduna State House of Assembly into El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023. The Assembly said its probe uncovered significant irregularities in the management of state finances, leading to the indictment of the former governor for alleged financial mismanagement and misappropriation of funds. Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Liman confirmed that the legislative body had concluded its investigation and forwarded its findings to relevant authorities in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The probe had previously sparked protests from civil society groups demanding transparency and accountability. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who succeeded El-Rufai, has accused the former governor of leaving the state with unaccounted funds totaling ₦423 billion and a heavy debt burden. Some former officials, however, have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

El-Rufai has also filed a 30-page criminal complaint alleging that ICPC officials, including its chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, attempted to compel him to withdraw from politics as a condition for his release. According to court documents, he claimed that continuing political activities could prolong his detention, while disengaging from politics would ensure his freedom. The former governor’s suit cites wrongful confinement with intent to compel, under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.