El-Rufai appears in court, comments on ADC convention

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in his ongoing trial instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

 

In a video shared by ARISE News, El-Rufai was seen arriving at the court premises dressed in traditional agbada, moving through a crowded corridor filled with supporters, lawyers, and observers.

 

Shortly before entering the courtroom, he was heard speaking with an associate about the forthcoming national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

“So tomorrow is our convention, right?” he asked.

“Insha Allah (God willing),” the associate responded.

 

The exchange underscores El-Rufai’s continued involvement in opposition politics despite his ongoing legal challenges.

 

He is currently 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, El-Rufai faces a 10-count charge also filed by the ICPC, 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.

 

Since returning from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026, El-Rufai has been attending court proceedings related to the cases. He was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 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 in Kaduna has fixed April 14 for his bail hearing—coinciding with the scheduled ADC convention.

 

Meanwhile, the ADC has alleged that the former governor is being subjected to political persecution, a claim dismissed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).