Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s Fraud Case to Hear His Pending Applications on March 31

• Ex-Kaduna gov files for bail 

•Obi: democracy under threat, condemns arrest of Kaduna cleric

Chuks Okocha Folalumi Alaran in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State, yester-day, adjourned to March 31 a case of multiple fraud preferred against former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to enable it hear his pending applica-tions.

The case was brought before the court by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Although counsel to El-Rufai, Obong Abang, said they had already filed for a bail, being one of the applica-tions to be heard on March 31, the trial judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, adjourned the matter to March 31 for the hearing of the pending applications, including his bail.

Journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, and no reason was given for restricting their access to the courtroom.

Abang, who spoke with journalists after the proceedings, said the adjournment was to allow the court hear applications that might be pending.

He stated, “The charges against Mallam El Rufai amount basically to allegations of deposit of money into his domiciliary account and monetisation of his earnings.

“They finally joined Joel Adoga on the 10th count. Out of 10 counts, they joined him on only one.

“What we have now is that they (ICPC) applied to arraign, and I respectfully pointed out that since Madam El- Rufai has proceeding pending, with respect to the judge himself, the judge cannot proceed.

“The judge, in his wisdom, decided to proceed with the arraignment and in his own wisdom, also adjourned the matter for applications that may be pending to be heard on the 31st of March.

“That’s all that happened. Bail was filed today, and it was adjourned to March 31 for hearing.”

Counsel to ICPC left the premises immediately after the proceedings.

El-Rufai was brought to the court premises by security operatives about 9am in a Hilux vehicle and was held there for about 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom.

He was dressed in a light green babanriga with a matching cap.

Security was tight within and around the court premises, with armed operatives deployed along the busy Anguwan Sarki to Kawo axis, causing heavy traffic congestion.

Family members of the former governor, including his two wives and his son, Bello El-Rufai, a federal lawmaker representing Kaduna North, were present at the sitting.

The former governor had been in the custody of ICPC since February 19 over allegations bordering on corrupt practices.

Obi: Democracy Under Threat, Condemns Arrest of Kaduna Cleric

Presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi, raised the alarm over what he described as “troubling developments” in Nigeria’s political space, following the reported arrest of a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar.

In a statement shared on Tuesday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi said he was informed early in the day that the revered religious leader was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.

The former Anambra State governor described the development as a disturbing reflection of the state of democracy in the country, warning that citizens’ fundamental rights are increasingly under threat.

Obi said, “This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution.”

He stressed that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode democratic values and further weaken public trust in governance.

Obi called on the authorities to uphold constitutional rights, insisting that freedom of expression must be protected at all times.

He stated, “This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society.”

Obi urged those in positions of power to desist from actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations, and, instead, embrace the rule of law in dealing with citizens.

“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” he added.

Democracy Watch Initiative Commends ICPC Over El-Rufa’s Prosecution

Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) commended ICPC for what it described as swift and decisive action in concluding investigations into allegations against El-Rufai.

In a statement issued by its Director of Strategic Communication, Tunji Bamidele, the group described the development as a significant step in the fight against corruption and the promotion of accountability in public institutions.

Bamidele stated that the allegations against the former governor were serious, including conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering, as contained in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.

“The ICPC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for their actions is commendable,” he said.

He disclosed that beyond the federal charges, ICPC had also initiated proceedings in the State High Court, with case number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26. The charges included abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud, among others.

According to the group, the simultaneous filing of charges in both federal and state jurisdictions on March 18, 2026 underscored ICPC’s dedication to a thorough and comprehensive approach in addressing corruption at all levels of government.