Former Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is set to be transferred to Kaduna to face a fresh corruption trial, according to information obtained from security sources on Tuesday.
The development comes as the former governor remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
A senior security official confirmed that arrangements were being made for El-Rufai to be moved from Abuja to Kaduna for the new proceedings.
“El-Rufai is to be transferred to Kaduna for a fresh corruption trial,” the source told Sahara Reporters.
However, details of the specific charges or the timeline for the trial have not yet been made public.
The latest development follows a legislative investigation conducted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly into the administration of El-Rufai between 2015 and 2023.
The Assembly said its probe uncovered serious irregularities in the handling of state finances, leading to the indictment of the former governor over alleged financial mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Dahiru Liman, confirmed that the legislative body had concluded its investigation and forwarded the findings to relevant authorities.
According to him, the Assembly had “concluded its legislative probe and forwarded its findings to appropriate authorities in line with constitutional provisions.”
The probe triggered protests by civil society groups, who gathered at the Assembly complex demanding transparency and accountability over the allegations.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who succeeded El-Rufai in office, has repeatedly alleged that ₦423 billion could not be properly accounted for during the previous administration.
Sani also accused his predecessor of leaving Kaduna State with heavy debts that have complicated governance.
However, some former officials who served under El-Rufai have dismissed the allegations, describing them as “a politically motivated smear campaign.”
Earlier reports indicated that the former governor accused officials of the ICPC of attempting to force him out of politics as a condition for his release.
In a 30-page criminal complaint, El-Rufai named the chairman of the anti-corruption agency, Musa Adamu Aliyu, and four other officials.
According to court documents, the former governor claimed that investigators told him that his freedom depended on abandoning political activities.
The claim, contained in Paragraph 12 of the filing, alleged that ICPC operatives informed him while in detention that disengaging from politics was the condition for his release.
Further details in the affidavit, particularly Paragraphs 22 to 24, alleged that he was warned that continuing political involvement could prolong his detention, while withdrawing from politics would guarantee his freedom.
The allegation forms the basis of Count Six in the suit, where El-Rufai accused the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence punishable under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.
