“Malam Nasir El-Rufai is an exceptional leader. The charges are an exercise in futility. There is no evidence, and this is a political witch-hunt. He will emerge victorious,” stated Suleiman Ibrahim Dabo, a supporter of the former governor, as El-Rufai faces serious corruption charges in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, who has been in custody since February 19, 2026, pleaded not guilty to a 10-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The charges include allegations of fraudulently inducing the Kaduna State government to pay N11 billion for a non-existent light rail project and approving severance payments totaling N289.8 million beyond the lawful amount.

During the arraignment, heavy security was present at the court, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case. El-Rufai’s lawyer requested bail to prepare his defense, but the ICPC opposed the application, citing ongoing investigations. “It cannot be made for bail today because the application was made for arraignment today. It was adjourned to the 31st of this month to hear the application for bail,” explained Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai’s attorney.

El-Rufai’s son, Bello El-Rufai, expressed his support, saying, “I’m here in solidarity as his son and as a representative of the people. Malam El-Rufai, to us, is the father of modern Kaduna.” This sentiment is echoed by many of El-Rufai’s supporters, who claim the charges are politically motivated and lack substantial evidence.

The ICPC has also filed a separate case against El-Rufai in a Kaduna State High Court for abuse of office and fraud. This follows his initial arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, and subsequent re-arrest by the ICPC.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific evidence the ICPC claims to possess against El-Rufai, but the implications of the charges are significant for his political career and the ongoing political landscape in Kaduna State.

The next court hearing is set for March 31, 2026, where the bail application will be addressed, and further developments in the case are anticipated.

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