Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to corruption-related charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before the Kaduna State High Court.
The court proceedings saw an amendment of the charges, with one co-defendant struck out, leaving El-Rufai to face the trial more independently.
The charges against him include allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage linked to financial misconduct.
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El-Rufai arrived in court under tight security at about 9 a.m., drawing the presence of supporters and observers.
During the hearing, his legal team advanced arguments seeking his bail as proceedings continued.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 14, 2026, for a bail hearing and possible ruling.
Following the session, El-Rufai was returned to ICPC custody pending the determination of his bail application.
The case, which is part of multiple ongoing legal matters against the former governor, saw no major breakthrough as proceedings focused on plea taking, charge amendments, and scheduling.
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