Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday returned to court for his formal arraignment following a brief compassionate release to attend his mother’s burial.
El-Rufai appeared before the Kaduna State High Court amid heavy security, marking his first court appearance since the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) granted him temporary release last week.
The former governor, who had spent over a month in detention, is facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, and unlawful possession of public property.
He had earlier been arraigned before Justice Rilwan Aikawa, with the court fixing March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including his bail request.
The ICPC had on March 27 allowed him to travel for the burial of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai.
The funeral, held in Abuja, drew several high-profile political figures from across the country.
Video footage circulating online showed El-Rufai arriving at the court premises in a white pickup vehicle, dressed in a light-blue agbada and accompanied by security operatives and aides.
He is being arraigned alongside Amadu Sule on multiple charges, including intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.
Following the proceedings, the anti-graft agency is expected to transfer the case to the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail application will be determined.
El-Rufai has, however, denied all allegations against him, maintaining his innocence as the legal battle unfolds.
