The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before the Kaduna State High Court on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
themomentng reports that El-Rufai was arraigned before Justice Darius Khobo following an amendment to the initial charge filed by the prosecution.
The prosecution counsel, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, told the court that the joint charge earlier filed against El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, had been separated.
He explained that the decision followed Sule’s absence from court due to a reported medical condition.
The court subsequently granted the request, allowing the trial to proceed against El-Rufai alone.
The former governor was then docked on nine amended counts alleging violations under several laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, as well as the Kaduna State Penal Code and Public Procurement Law.
When the charges were read in court, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all nine counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and ensure measures were put in place to compel the defendant’s attendance throughout the proceedings.
In response, the defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had been filed and requested that the court grant his client bail on liberal terms.
After hearing arguments from both parties, the court adjourned the matter until Tuesday to rule on the bail application.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), said the court session largely focused on the newly amended charges.
According to him, the defence team would require time to properly review the fresh charges.
“The charges are new and require proper examination,” he said, adding that the bail application had already been moved before the court.
Security was noticeably heightened around the Kaduna State High Court during the proceedings.
Operatives were stationed at strategic points around the court premises to maintain order as the former governor appeared in court.
Shortly before entering the courtroom, El-Rufai was reportedly seen discussing the forthcoming convention of the African Democratic Congress with an associate.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai is also facing a separate 10-count charge before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The case involves allegations of abuse of office, money laundering and fraud, reportedly amounting to ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.
