Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Monday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in his ongoing trial filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Video footage shared by Nigerian TV station Arise News captured El-Rufai, dressed in traditional Agbada, making his way through a crowded courthouse corridor filled with supporters, lawyers, and observers.
Shortly before entering the courtroom, he was heard discussing the upcoming national convention of the African Democratic Congress scheduled for Tuesday.
“So tomorrow is our convention, right?” El-Rufai asked.
“Insha Allah (God willing),” an associate responded.
The exchange underscores his continued engagement in opposition politics despite the legal challenges he faces.
El-Rufai is standing trial alongside Amadu Sule on multiple charges, including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
In a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, also instituted by the ICPC, he faces a 10-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud involving ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.
The former governor has denied all allegations.
Following his return from Cairo on February 12, 2026, El-Rufai has been entangled in multiple legal proceedings. He was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before being transferred to ICPC custody.
He was later granted temporary release on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial and subsequently returned to custody.
The Federal High Court had earlier fixed his bail hearing for April 14—the same day as the ADC convention.
Meanwhile, the ADC has alleged that the prosecution is politically motivated, a claim dismissed by the ruling All Progressives Congress.
