Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna’s former governor, has arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna to face charges of money laundering and conversion of public property.

El-Rufai will be charged alongside Joel Adoga by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The former minister has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19, when he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Security at and around the court was ramped up ahead of his arrival, with police and civil defense personnel observed roaming the grounds.

He was driven to court by security personnel at 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and held there for around 25 minutes before being led into the courtroom about ten minutes later.

The politician wore a bright green babanriga with a matching headgear and maintained a smirk throughout.

As he entered the courtroom, security personnel put up a tight ring around him.

Journalists who were there to cover the proceedings were denied entry to the courtroom.

El-Rufai’s two wives and his son, Bello el-Rufai, a federal legislator representing Kaduna North, were also seen in court.

BACKGROUND

Since El-Rufai’s arrest, there have been several calls for his release or arraignment.

In ICPC detention, the former governor refused to answer investigators’ queries, asserting his right to remain silent.

On March 5, the magistrate court prolonged el-Rufai’s initial remand order for another 14 days.

El-Rufai has filed a basic rights action with the Federal High Court in Abuja over the ICPC’s search of his home and the remand order issued on February 19.

Respondents in the suit include the ICPC, the chief magistrate who issued the order, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).