El-Rufai Faces Court Again Following Mother's Funeral

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, who previously served as the governor of Kaduna State, attended a session at the State High Court in Kaduna today.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought multiple charges against him.

Last week, El-Rufai was brought before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa facing ten counts concerning alleged misappropriation and possession of state resources, along with accusations of money laundering.

This marks his first court appearance since spending over a month in detention.

The court has scheduled March 31, 2026, to address outstanding motions, which include a bail application submitted by El-Rufai.

On March 27, 2026, he was granted release by the commission on compassionate grounds following his mother's death, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political party to which he belongs, has rejected the allegations made against him and expressed condolences from various notable figures, including President Bola Tinubu.

A number of officials participated in his mother’s funeral, including Vice- President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Over ten governors, including El-Rufai's former ally Senator Uba Sani, also attended the mourning rites.

Prominent ADC members such as the former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ex- Senate President David Mark, and other former Ministers including Abubakar Malami, Isa Pantami, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola personally conveyed their condolences.

On the latest court appearance, he stood trial alongside Amadu Sule for various charges including office abuse, fraud, and attempts to secure illegal advantages.

The ICPC is set to bring him before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where the bail application will be evaluated.