Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been returned to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following his court appearance on Tuesday.
The ex-governor appeared before the Kaduna State High Court for the hearing of his bail application over a nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
After the proceedings, the court adjourned the matter to April 21, 2026, for continuation of the bail hearing.
Tuesday’s session was held behind closed doors, with journalists barred from entering the courtroom.
Earlier, the ICPC had amended the charges filed against El-Rufai, resulting in the removal of the second defendant, Amadu Suleiman, from the case.
According to the anti-corruption agency, its counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed the court that the initial joint charge was revised due to Suleiman’s continued absence, reportedly on medical grounds.
The court granted the application, allowing the prosecution to proceed against El-Rufai as the sole defendant.
Following the amendment, El-Rufai was re-arraigned on nine counts under several laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud Act, the Kaduna State Penal Code, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.
