The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to transfer former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to Kaduna to face a fresh corruption trial following emerging allegations of financial misconduct.
Security sources confirmed on Tuesday that arrangements are underway to move El-Rufai from Abuja, where he is currently in ICPC custody, to Kaduna for the new proceedings. However, authorities are yet to disclose details of the charges or a timeline for the trial.
The latest development follows a legislative probe by the Kaduna State House of Assembly into El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023. The Assembly said its investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the management of state finances, leading to his indictment over alleged misappropriation of public funds.
Speaker of the House, Yusuf Dahiru Liman, confirmed that the findings have been forwarded to appropriate authorities in line with constitutional provisions.
The probe also sparked protests by civil society groups at the Assembly complex, with demonstrators demanding transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has repeatedly alleged that as much as ₦423 billion remains unaccounted for under the previous administration, while also accusing El-Rufai of leaving behind a heavy debt burden.
However, some former officials who served under El-Rufai have rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
In a related development, El-Rufai has filed a 30-page criminal complaint accusing ICPC officials, including Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, of attempting to coerce him into abandoning politics as a condition for his release.
According to court documents, the former governor alleged that investigators told him his freedom depended on withdrawing from political activities. He further claimed he was warned that continued political involvement could prolong his detention.
The allegation forms part of a legal action in which El-Rufai accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence under relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
The case is expected to heighten political and legal tensions in Kaduna State as proceedings unfold.
