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VIDEO: El-Rufai Appears in Kaduna Court, Confirms ADC Convention Participation
Former governor faces corruption charges as opposition party prepares for national convention
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared before the Kaduna State High Court on Monday as his trial, initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), resumed.
Video footage from the court premises showed El-Rufai, dressed in traditional agbada attire, making his way through a crowded corridor filled with supporters, legal representatives, and onlookers.
Just before entering the courtroom, the former governor was heard inquiring about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention scheduled for Tuesday.
“So tomorrow is our convention, right?” El-Rufai asked an associate.
“Insha Allah,” the associate responded.
The brief exchange underscored El-Rufai’s continued engagement in opposition politics despite the legal proceedings against him.
El-Rufai is facing trial alongside Amadu Sule on multiple charges, including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. He also faces a separate 10-count charge at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, involving alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud amounting to ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.
The former governor has consistently maintained his innocence.
El-Rufai, who returned from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026, has been navigating various court cases. He was initially held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before being taken into ICPC custody. He was temporarily released on compassionate grounds to bury his mother and later returned to custody.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna had fixed his bail hearing for April 14, coinciding with the ADC convention.
The ADC has claimed that the former governor is facing political persecution through the judicial process, a claim dismissed by the ruling All Progressives Congress.
