Drama in Kaduna as El-Rufai Storms Court Under Heavy Security, Journalists Blocked from Trial

Security agencies maintained a strong presence at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as former governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared for arraignment over alleged corruption-related offences. Officials brought him to the court premises early in the morning in a security vehicle, where he stayed briefly before officers escorted him into the courtroom. Dressed in […]

Security agencies maintained a strong presence at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as former governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared for arraignment over alleged corruption-related offences.

Officials brought him to the court premises early in the morning in a security vehicle, where he stayed briefly before officers escorted him into the courtroom.

Dressed in traditional attire, El-Rufai entered the court surrounded by operatives from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services, who ensured tight security throughout the process.

Authorities barred journalists from accessing the courtroom, even though many had arrived hours earlier to report on the case. Security measures extended beyond the court, with movement restrictions causing traffic congestion in nearby areas.

Multiple security agencies, including the police and civil defence, coordinated efforts to secure the environment and control access.

The arraignment followed confirmation from the anti-corruption agency that El-Rufai and Joel Adoga would face charges at the Federal High Court. The allegations include misuse of public property and money laundering.

In a separate development, another case involving El-Rufai and Amadu Sule is pending before a Kaduna State High Court, where they face accusations such as abuse of office and fraud.

Authorities confirmed that the charges were officially filed earlier in March, assuring that due process is being followed.

The case has attracted widespread attention, especially after calls from political stakeholders and advocacy groups demanding that the former governor either be formally charged or released.