Journalists who arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna as early as 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday were denied entry into the courtroom by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), amid tight security arrangements surrounding the proceedings.
Security presence around the court premises—located at the old Nigerian Defence Academy area—was significantly reinforced from the early hours of the day.
Personnel drawn from the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were visibly deployed to maintain order and restrict movement.
Vehicular traffic in the area was also curtailed, with motorists diverted into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, resulting in notable congestion and disruptions across parts of Kaduna.
The heightened security followed an earlier announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which confirmed plans to arraign former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, El-Rufai was scheduled to appear alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
The charges reportedly include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026,” the statement noted.
The commission further disclosed that a separate case marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26 had also been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court. The allegations in that matter include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The ICPC explained that both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that arrangements for the state court arraignment would be communicated in due course.
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It also maintained that the former governor had been duly served and reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The development comes amid increasing pressure from various stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which has called for either El-Rufai’s release or formal arraignment, arguing that his prolonged detention without trial is unconstitutional.
Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern has criticized his continued detention, while members of his family have raised concerns over alleged violations of his rights.
El-Rufai was first detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, granted bail on February 18, and later re-arrested by the ICPC.
He has since remained in custody pending his court appearance at the Federal High Court Kaduna.
