By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared on Monday at the Kaduna State High Court in Kaduna, where he faced charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The ICPC accused him and Amadu Sule of abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. He arrived around 9 a.m., accompanied by his lawyers and one of his wives, amid heavy security presence. During his arrival, he briefly spoke with a loyalist about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention scheduled for Tuesday.
Courtroom Drama and Security Presence
Tension rose slightly at the court premises as security operatives tightened arrangements around the venue. Roads leading to the court experienced heavy monitoring.
El-Rufai, dressed in a white babbar riga and ash-coloured cap, walked calmly into the courtroom. He held a white document and appeared composed.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses reported a brief exchange between him and a loyalist. He asked, “So tomorrow is the convention, right?” The loyalist responded, “God’s willing.” He then smiled and proceeded inside.
Charges Filed by ICPC
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission filed multiple charges against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule.
These charges include:
- Abuse of office
- Fraud
- Intent to commit fraud
- Conferring undue advantage
Importantly, these charges differ from a separate case at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. In that case, the court will hear his bail application on Tuesday.
ADC Reacts, Calls Trial a Witch-Hunt
The African Democratic Congress strongly criticized the trial. The party described the case as a political witch-hunt.
According to ADC leaders, the Federal Government is targeting opposition figures. However, they insisted the party would proceed with its national convention.
INEC Warning and Political Tension
Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission warned the ADC against holding the convention.
Despite this warning, the party maintained its position. It plans to go ahead with the event as scheduled.
Key Takeaways
- El-Rufai appeared in court over fraud-related charges.
- ICPC filed the case at the Kaduna State High Court.
- ADC described the trial as politically motivated.
- INEC warned against the ADC convention.
- The convention is still expected to hold.
