El-Rufai Appears in Court as ICPC Trial Continues, Drops Hint on ADC Convention

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared on Monday at the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in a corruption case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), even as he remains active in opposition political engagements.

Video footage shared by ARISE NEWS showed El-Rufai in traditional Agbada attire moving through a crowded courthouse corridor filled with lawyers, supporters, and observers. The atmosphere reflected both legal tension and strong political interest around the case.

Moments before entering the courtroom, El-Rufai was heard speaking with an associate about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention scheduled for Tuesday. “So tomorrow is our convention, right?” he asked. The associate responded, “Insha Allah (God willing).”

The brief exchange further underscored his continued involvement in opposition politics despite facing multiple court proceedings linked to his time in office.

El-Rufai is standing trial alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The ICPC alleges misconduct tied to his tenure as governor.

In a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, the former governor faces a 10-count charge involving alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud totalling ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million. He has consistently denied all allegations.

Since returning from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026, El-Rufai has been engaged in multiple legal battles. He was initially held in EFCC custody before being transferred to the ICPC. He was later granted compassionate release to bury his mother before returning to custody.

The Federal High Court has fixed April 14 for his bail hearing — the same day scheduled for the ADC national convention — adding further political attention to the ongoing case.

The ADC has described the legal actions against him as political persecution, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed such claims.