JUST IN: El-Rufai returns to Kaduna court for arraignment after mother’s burial

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared at the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday for formal arraignment before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai, who had spent over a month in detention, faces a 10-count charge including alleged conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, abuse of office, and conferring undue advantage.

His arraignment was previously adjourned to allow him attend the funeral of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, on compassionate grounds.

The funeral prayers in Abuja drew prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar”], 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter ObiLP presidential candidate 2023″], and former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal.

Under heavy security, El-Rufai arrived at court in a white pickup truck, wearing a light-blue agbada with matching cap and yellow-patterned inner garment, accompanied by aides and uniformed officers.
He is to be arraigned alongside Amadu Sule, after which the ICPC plans to transfer him to the Federal High Court in Kaduna to consider his bail application.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him.