Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was brought before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday amid tight security as he faces arraignment over alleged corruption-related offences.

El-Rufai arrived at the court premises in the early hours of the day under heavy guard, with operatives forming a strong security presence around him before he was escorted into the courtroom.
Security was significantly heightened across the area, with personnel from multiple agencies stationed in and around the court. Movement was restricted, and access to the courtroom was limited, with journalists reportedly denied entry despite arriving early to cover the proceedings.

The arraignment follows charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which accused the former governor of offences including alleged misuse of public assets and financial misconduct. He is being tried alongside other individuals in connection with the case.

In addition to the federal case, authorities have also initiated separate proceedings at the state level, where further allegations bordering on abuse of office and fraud have been filed.

The legal battle comes after a series of events involving multiple anti-corruption agencies. El-Rufai was first taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in February 2026, briefly released on bail, and later re-arrested by the ICPC.
His continued detention before formal arraignment had drawn criticism from some groups, including the African Democratic Congress, which questioned the legality of holding him without trial. Advocacy groups and family members had also raised concerns about his rights during the process.

With his court appearance now underway, attention is expected to shift to the legal arguments and evidence to be presented, as the case unfolds under public and political scrutiny.