ICPC Files Multiple Criminal Charges Against Former Kaduna Governor
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced it will arraign former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufa'i in both federal and state high courts on multiple criminal charges. According to a press statement released on Monday and signed by John Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications, the commission has filed separate cases against the former governor and his associates.
Federal High Court Charges
The ICPC confirmed that El-Rufa'i and one Joel Adoga will face arraignment at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The suit, numbered FHC/KD/73/2026, contains charges ranging from conversion and possession of public property to money laundering. The commission emphasized that all defendants have been duly served with the charges.
State High Court Proceedings
In a parallel development, another charge numbered KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26 has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. This case names El-Rufa'i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA) as defendants and includes charges of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The ICPC stated that the date for arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time as determined by the court.
Background of Legal Actions
Both charges were formally filed by the ICPC on March 18, 2026. The commission reiterated its commitment to adhering fully to due process and the rule of law throughout these proceedings. This development follows recent cybercrime charges filed against El-Rufa'i by the Nigerian government at the Federal High Court in Abuja last month.
Previous Cybercrime Allegations
In February 2026, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed cybercrime charges against the former governor related to alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The charges stem from El-Rufa'i's appearance on Arise TV's Prime Time Programme on February 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted knowledge of and involvement in the interception activities.
The cybercrime charges include violations of Section 12(1), Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, and Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. These allegations involve using technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security through unlawful interception of communications.
ICPC's Ongoing Investigations
The ICPC has maintained that its actions against El-Rufa'i are part of broader efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials. The commission's statement emphasized that all procedures have been followed according to legal requirements and that the public will be kept informed as the cases progress through the judicial system.
This marks a significant development in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts, with a high-profile former governor facing multiple serious charges in different courts simultaneously. The cases are expected to draw substantial public attention as they proceed through Nigeria's judicial system in the coming weeks and months.
