BREAKING: Nasir El-Rufai arrives Kaduna court under heavy security as Journalists are barred

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday morning under tight security for his arraignment over alleged corruption-related offences.

El-Rufai was brought to the court premises at about 9:00 am in a Hilux vehicle, where he remained inside for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at approximately 9:34 am. Dressed in a light green babanriga with a matching cap, he was heavily guarded as operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) formed a protective cordon around him.

Despite arriving as early as 7:00 am, Journalists were barred from accessing the courtroom by DSS operatives, raising concerns about transparency in the proceedings.

Security presence had earlier been heightened around the court premises located within the old Nigerian Defence Academy, with heavily armed personnel deployed from the early hours. The security team included operatives of the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Vehicular movement around the area was also restricted, forcing motorists into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, leading to noticeable traffic disruptions.

The development follows an earlier announcement by the ICPC that it would arraign El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, alongside one Joel Adoga. In a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission disclosed further legal actions against the former governor.

“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the agency stated.

The ICPC added that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, noting that the date for arraignment in the state court would be communicated later. It also maintained that El-Rufai had been duly served, reaffirming its commitment to due process and the rule of law.

The arraignment comes amid mounting pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which had demanded either his release or immediate arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional. Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern had criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family raised concerns over alleged rights violations.