Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai on Monday pleaded not guilty to nine amended charges of alleged corruption and abuse of office before a Kaduna State High Court.
The charges, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), relate to actions taken during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
According to the prosecution, the former governor is accused of authorising N289.8 million in excessive severance payments, as well as deriving an alleged N11 billion benefit from a light rail project that was never executed. He is also alleged to have improperly handled over $1 million from a World Bank loan.
El-Rufai denied all the allegations when the charges were read in court.
Following his plea, his counsel moved an application for bail, which the court began to hear. A ruling on the application is expected on Tuesday, April 14. The case is running alongside a separate money laundering matter involving the former governor.
The charges were initially filed on March 18, 2026, marking the beginning of what has become one of the most closely watched corruption trials in recent times.
Speaking briefly with journalists after the court session, El-Rufai responded to a question about the forthcoming national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying he would attend “in spirit.”
Supporters of the former governor have described the case as politically motivated, linking it to his positions on national policy issues. However, no official statement has confirmed any political influence behind the prosecution.
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Proceedings have been adjourned pending the court’s decision on bail.
