By Peter Omopo
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has pleaded not guilty to corruption-related charges brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before a Kaduna State High Court.
During proceedings on Monday, the court amended the charges, striking out one co-defendant and leaving El-Rufai to face the trial largely on his own.
The charges against the former governor include allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage, all linked to alleged financial misconduct.
El-Rufai arrived at the court premises under tight security at about 9 a.m., attracting supporters and observers.
At the hearing, his legal team presented arguments seeking his release on bail as proceedings continued.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until April 14, 2026, for a hearing on the bail application and a possible ruling.
Following the session, El-Rufai was returned to the custody of the anti-corruption agency pending the determination of his bail request.
The case forms part of a series of ongoing legal matters involving the former governor, with Monday’s proceedings focused primarily on plea taking, amendments to charges, and scheduling for further hearings.
