Breaking: ICPC To Relocate El-Rufai Over Fresh Allegations

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, is expected to be transferred to Kaduna to stand trial in a new corruption case, according to security sources on Tuesday.

The development comes as he remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). A senior security official confirmed that arrangements were underway to move him from Abuja to Kaduna for the fresh proceedings.

Details of the specific charges and the trial schedule have not yet been disclosed.

The latest development follows an investigation conducted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly into the administration of El-Rufai between 2015 and 2023. The Assembly stated that its inquiry revealed significant concerns regarding the management of state finances, resulting in findings related to alleged financial mismanagement and misuse of funds.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Dahiru Liman, confirmed that the legislative body had completed its investigation and submitted its report to the appropriate authorities in accordance with constitutional procedures.

The probe sparked demonstrations by civil society groups, who called for transparency and accountability regarding the allegations.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who succeeded El-Rufai, has previously claimed that ₦423 billion could not be properly accounted for during the previous administration. He has also stated that the state inherited substantial debts, which he said have posed challenges to governance.

Some former officials who served under El-Rufai have rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

In a related development, El-Rufai had earlier accused ICPC officials of attempting to pressure him into leaving politics as a condition for his release. In a 30-page criminal complaint, he named the ICPC chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, and four other officials.

Court documents allege that investigators informed him during detention that his freedom was contingent upon withdrawing from political activities. Additional details in the affidavit claim he was warned that continuing in politics could extend his detention.

The allegation forms part of his suit, in which he accused the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence referenced under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.