Security was dramatically heightened on Tuesday around the Federal High Court as former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared for arraignment over alleged corruption-related offences.
Heavily armed operatives from multiple security agencies—including the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps—were deployed as early as 7:00 a.m. to strategic locations surrounding the court premises, situated near the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
The heavy security presence caused significant disruption to traffic, with vehicles restricted to a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, leading to a prolonged gridlock across the area.
The development followed an earlier announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which confirmed that El-Rufai would be arraigned before the court. In a statement signed by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission disclosed that the former governor would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
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According to the anti-graft agency, the charges against El-Rufai include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
The ICPC further revealed that a separate charge—marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26—had been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court. The charges in that case include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Both cases, the commission noted, were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that a date for arraignment at the state court would be communicated in due course. It also maintained that El-Rufai had been duly served, reiterating its commitment to due process and adherence to the rule of law.
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Amid the tight security, El-Rufai arrived at the court premises at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at approximately 9:34 a.m.
Dressed in a light green babanriga and cap, the former governor was surrounded by operatives of the ICPC and DSS, who formed a protective cordon as he was ushered into the courtroom.
Journalists were, however, barred from accessing the courtroom, as security operatives restricted entry, further heightening the tension and secrecy surrounding the high-profile proceedings.
