There is maximum security presence on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna ahead of the planned arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption offences.
Operatives from multiple security agencies were deployed to the area as early as 7:00 a.m., taking up positions around the court premises located within the old Nigerian Defence Academy. Personnel from the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were all on ground.
Movement of vehicles in the vicinity was restricted, with authorities directing motorists into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo. The development led to traffic congestion during the early hours of the day.
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The heightened security followed an earlier announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirming that El-Rufai would be arraigned on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, disclosed that the former governor would appear in court alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
According to the commission, the charges against them include alleged unlawful conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
The ICPC also revealed that a separate case involving El-Rufai and another individual, Amadu Sule, had been filed before a Kaduna State High Court under charge number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26.
The counts in the state case reportedly include allegations of abuse of office, fraud, attempted fraud, and granting of undue advantage.
The anti-graft agency noted that both charges were instituted on March 18, 2026, adding that the date for arraignment in the state court would be announced later.
It further stated that El-Rufai had been properly served with the charges, reiterating its commitment to due process and adherence to the rule of law.
The arraignment comes amid growing calls from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which had urged authorities to either release the former governor or formally charge him in court, describing his continued detention without trial as unconstitutional.
Pressure group, The Muslim Rights Concern and members of El-Rufai’s family had also expressed concerns, alleging that his rights were being violated.
