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Tag: Nasir El-Rufai

  • Breaking: El-Rufai Gets N200m Bail, Court Bans Media Interviews

    Breaking: El-Rufai Gets N200m Bail, Court Bans Media Interviews

    Nasir El-Rufai has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Kaduna, while a separate bail application at the Kaduna State High Court was adjourned to April 21, 2026. The rulings followed two separate court sittings on Tuesday concerning ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor.

    At the Federal High Court, presided over by Rilwan Aikawa, El-Rufai was granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties. One surety must provide a Certificate of Occupancy for landed property, while the other must be a respected elder verified by the Kaduna State Council of Elders. The court also barred El-Rufai and his counsel from granting media interviews during the trial, ordered him to deposit his passport, and mandated monthly reporting to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Meanwhile, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Darius Khobo, were adjourned without a ruling on the bail application. The adjournment followed earlier proceedings in which El-Rufai appeared before the court as part of his scheduled hearings for the day.

    The ICPC had arraigned El-Rufai on Monday on a nine-count amended charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering. The prosecution, led by Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, explained that the charges were amended to separate the case from that of a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, who was absent due to medical reasons.

    El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all nine charges brought under multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices Act and Kaduna State statutes. Security was heightened around the Federal High Court during Tuesday’s proceedings, with restricted movement and heavy deployment of operatives to maintain order.

  • Media Restricted as El-Rufai Appears in Kaduna Federal Court

    Media Restricted as El-Rufai Appears in Kaduna Federal Court

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was arraigned on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged money laundering and other financial fraud. Combined security operatives barred reporters from various media organisations from accessing the courtroom, allowing only the ICPC media cameraman inside.

    El-Rufai arrived at the court premises around 8:55 a.m., waiting in a Toyota Hilux van under the escort of ICPC operatives. He was eventually led into the courtroom at 9:33 a.m., where proceedings commenced under heightened security measures.

    The former governor appeared in a green Babanriga, a traditional Hausa flowing gown, with a matching cap and eyeglasses. His attire and composure were noted as he entered the courtroom, despite the media restrictions outside the building.

    Security personnel turned back reporters attempting to enter the court, citing operational control, while only the designated ICPC media representative was permitted to document the proceedings. The exclusion of journalists drew attention to the restrictive security protocols during high-profile corruption trials.

    According to the ICPC, the case, marked FHC/KD/73/2026, includes charges of conversion and possession of public property, as well as allegations of money laundering. The arraignment forms part of ongoing investigations into financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.

  • Obi Raises Alarm Over El-Rufai’s Detention, Demands Transparency

    Obi Raises Alarm Over El-Rufai’s Detention, Demands Transparency

    Peter Obi has criticised the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as politically motivated and a threat to democratic principles. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna, Obi warned that the situation undermines due process and respect for the rule of law.

    Obi argued that El-Rufai voluntarily returned to the country before his arrest and should not be treated like a fugitive. He urged authorities to allow legal procedures to take their course and ensure that the former governor’s rights are respected until proven guilty.

    El-Rufai has remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 18 after being transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was initially held over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

    In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed cybercrime charges against him, with a court hearing scheduled for April 23, 2026. His legal team has challenged the detention, alleging abuse of power and misuse of court processes by security agencies.

    Family members of the former governor have also called for his release, insisting that due legal procedures must be followed. The case continues to generate debate across political circles, raising concerns about its implications for Nigeria’s justice system and the broader political climate ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Kaduna Appeal Court Delivers Judgment in Favour of El-Rufai

    Kaduna Appeal Court Delivers Judgment in Favour of El-Rufai

    The Court of Appeal Nigeria has nullified a Federal High Court judgment in a case filed by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, citing a violation of his right to a fair hearing.

    In its ruling on appeal CA/K/240/2024, the appellate court held that proceedings conducted on July 18, 2024, were flawed, noting that El-Rufai was not properly served with hearing notice and was denied the opportunity to respond to the respondents’ counter-affidavit.

    The court consequently declared the July 30, 2024 judgment delivered by the Federal High Court null and void for lack of jurisdiction. It further ordered that the case be returned to the lower court for reassignment to a different judge and a fresh hearing.

    El-Rufai had approached the court in 2024 seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights, alleging that the Kaduna State House of Assembly denied him a fair hearing during its investigations.

    The appellate court stressed that proper service of court processes is essential to jurisdiction, adding that denying a party the opportunity to present their case breaches due process. The ruling effectively gives the former governor another chance to pursue his claims.

  • Legal Expert Backs El-Rufai’s Detention Under ACJA

    Legal Expert Backs El-Rufai’s Detention Under ACJA

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adamson has clarified that the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is lawful under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015. Speaking on ARISE News on Monday, Adamson noted that the ACJA permits suspects to be detained for an initial 14 days, with court-approved extensions of 14 days at a time, without the need for public disclosure.

    Adamson explained that Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty but allows for lawful derogation under specified conditions. He emphasized that the ACJA, particularly Sections 293 and 296, enables law enforcement agencies to apply to a court for a remand order. The first remand lasts 14 days, with the possibility of two additional 14-day extensions, giving a maximum detention period of 42 days before a suspect may seek bail.

    He further clarified that if ICPC completes its investigation within the initial 14 days, the suspect can be prosecuted or released. If not, the agency can seek further court-approved extensions, explaining its reasons only to the court and not to the public. Adamson stressed that this legal framework ensures investigations are conducted properly while protecting the rights of suspects.

    Addressing concerns about selective justice, the SAN underscored that the law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of status. He stated that accusations of political bias do not override legal procedures and that anyone who breaks the law must face legal consequences.

    Finally, Adamson highlighted that suspects who are detained illegally have the right to approach the courts for redress. He reinforced that the law balances law enforcement powers with constitutional safeguards, ensuring both accountability and protection of individual liberties during investigations.

  • ADC Warns Against Prosecution of Malami, El-Rufai

    ADC Warns Against Prosecution of Malami, El-Rufai

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over the ongoing prosecutions and investigations involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that legal processes must remain transparent and free from political influence.

    Malami is currently in custody over allegations of money laundering and financial misconduct, with a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering that he and his son be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre while his wife was remanded in Suleja. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including the alleged mismanagement of about ₦800 billion in recovered funds, with a bail hearing fixed for March 6.

    El-Rufai is also under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). His legal situation escalated after he reportedly admitted in a February interview to authorising the phone-tapping of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and subsequently filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit challenging what he described as unlawful actions against him.

    The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that democracy suffers when legal proceedings appear inconsistent or politically motivated. The party affirmed that both men are entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process under the Constitution.

    It further vowed to defend its members and called for justice to be applied transparently and without intimidation, stressing that accountability must be balanced with fairness and adherence to the rule of law.

  • Five Security Officers Arrested Over Abuja Airport Breach

    Five Security Officers Arrested Over Abuja Airport Breach

    Five security officers have been arrested and will face prosecution over a security breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, on February 12, 2026, authorities have confirmed. The incident reportedly involved former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    The arrests followed a joint investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

    Those detained include ASP Ayuba Yakubu of the Nigeria Police Force; Murtala Inuwa of the DSS; Najeeb Murtala of the Immigration Service; and Aviation Security personnel Musa Adamu and Salihu Victor.

    Investigators said the suspects allegedly admitted to receiving bribes to grant unauthorised access to restricted areas of the airport and to interfere with established security procedures. Authorities described the incident as a serious insider breach of critical national infrastructure.

    The five officers have been transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.

    Officials also disclosed that additional Immigration and Customs personnel found to have misused official uniforms to facilitate unauthorised access, but not deemed criminally liable, will face internal disciplinary action.

    Authorities said the measures underscore a zero-tolerance approach to internal compromise within Nigeria’s aviation security system.

  • Legal Battle Deepens as El-Rufai Moves to Quash Cybercrime Charges

    Legal Battle Deepens as El-Rufai Moves to Quash Cybercrime Charges

    Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to quash and strike out the criminal charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing them as incompetent, unconstitutional and a gross abuse of court process. He also demanded N2 billion in damages over alleged misuse of the criminal justice system.

    The motion on notice relates to Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, filed on February 16, 2026, and fixed for hearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. El-Rufai argued that the charge discloses no offence known to law and fails to establish a prima facie case against him.

    In the application, he sought an order discharging him from the case, contending that the prosecution breached several constitutional provisions, including the presumption of innocence, protection against self-incrimination, and requirements that offences be defined by written law.

    His legal team listed 17 grounds for the application, alleging constitutional invalidity, fatal defects in the charge, lack of prosecutorial competence, bad faith, political persecution, and abuse of court process.

    El-Rufai is asking the court to award him N2 billion in costs against the DSS for what he described as the “egregious, reckless and unconstitutional” use of the criminal justice system to harass and publicly victimize him, while also granting any further orders the court deems appropriate.

  • El-Rufai Detained for Eight Days, Lawyers Fault ICPC Over Bail Silence

    El-Rufai Detained for Eight Days, Lawyers Fault ICPC Over Bail Silence

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been held in detention for eight days without a remand order, his legal team has revealed. Lawyers say the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has not responded to a formal bail application, despite the 48-hour legal limit for holding a person without charge having expired.

    El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16th February 2026 following an invitation, and was held in EFCC custody until 18th February before being transferred to ICPC. His lawyers claim the transfer occurred without explanation or documentation, including any formal remand order, and describe the detention as “unlawful.”

    The former governor is involved in multiple legal matters this week. On 25th February, the FCT High Court is scheduled to hear his fundamental rights suit against the Federal Government, ICPC, EFCC, and DSS, seeking bail. On the same date, he is slated for arraignment on charges filed by the DSS, which have drawn widespread public attention.

    El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive was searched by ICPC officials on 19th February, prompting him to file a Federal High Court suit challenging the warrant. The suit alleges the warrant was defective, overbroad, ambiguous, and lacked probable cause, and seeks an injunction against the use of items seized during the search in any proceeding.

    During detention, family members reportedly faced difficulties delivering meals, and El-Rufai experienced a nasal bleeding episode. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the handling as a violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights, while ICPC has continued interrogations without granting bail or providing formal explanations for the ongoing detention.

  • DSS Sets February 25 Date to Arraign El-Rufai Over Cybercrime Charges

    DSS Sets February 25 Date to Arraign El-Rufai Over Cybercrime Charges

    The Department of State Services (DSS) will arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security. The case, filed under FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court by Chief Judge John Tsoho.

    El-Rufai faces a three-count criminal charge following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The DSS accused him of violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

    The first count alleges that during a February 13 interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme, El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications, a violation punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act. The second count claims he knew of another individual involved in the interception but failed to report it to relevant authorities, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act.

    Count three accuses El-Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment in 2026 to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, constituting an offense under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. DSS stated that the ex-governor’s admission during the TV interview confirms the alleged offenses.

    Earlier, El-Rufai claimed in the interview that he overheard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him, linking the alleged order to an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12 after returning from Cairo, Egypt. He was previously detained by the EFCC over corruption allegations and later transferred into ICPC custody for ongoing investigations.