ICPC On El-Rufai Trial: Courts Adjourn Bail Ruling, Grant Conditional Bail In Parallel Proceedings

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) wishes to update the public on developments in the ongoing trial of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in separate proceedings before the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court, Kaduna.

The cases stem from a protracted investigation by the Commission into the defendant’s tenure as Governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, bordering on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.

Mallam El-Rufai was arrested by the Commission on or about 18th February 2026.

Following the conclusion of investigations, the Commission filed a 10-count charge against Mallam El-Rufai and Mr. Joel Adoga before Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna.

The charges relate to alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and other relevant laws.

Specifically, the prosecution alleges, among others, that the defendant received the sum of ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance—significantly exceeding his lawful entitlement of ₦20,013,245—between 2020 and 2023.

He is also alleged to have received the sum of $797,900, deposited into his domiciliary account with Guaranty Trust Bank, from various individuals, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The Commission further alleges that the defendant conspired with the second defendant, Mr. Joel Adoga, to disguise the origin of $10,000 in July 2019.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Similarly, the Commission arraigned Mallam El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on an amended 9-count charge on 13th April 2026. The charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferment of undue advantage, contrary to the provisions of the ICPC Act, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Kaduna State Penal Code, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.

On Tuesday at the Kaduna State High Court, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice Darius Khobo, informed the court that the ruling on the defendant’s bail application was not ready, citing the inability to conclude the writing of the decision. The matter was consequently adjourned to Tuesday, 21st April 2026, for the delivery of the ruling.

The court further ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the Commission pending the determination of the bail application.

In a related development, the Federal High Court, Kaduna has granted bail to Mallam El-Rufai in the sum of ₦200 million and two sureties in like sum.

The court directed that one of the sureties must be a resident in Kaduna State with a property worth 200 million and a verified CofO while the second surety must be a well-respected elder, certified by the elders council.

It was further ruled that the defendant must deposit his international passport to the Registrar of the court and also sign an undertaking not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.

Other conditions include reporting to the Commission’s headquarters every first Monday of the month and also being restricted to live in a specific residence of his. The judge held that if Malam El-Rufai desires to change his residence, a 72-hour notice should be given to the court prior to any change of residence.

The court further ordered that the first defendant remain in the custody of the Commission pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.

El-Rufai

The trial judge further adopted the administrative bail granted to the second defendant, Mr. Joel Adoga.

The Commission reiterates its commitment to due process and the rule of law and assures the public that the prosecution of the case is being conducted diligently and in accordance with established legal procedures.

The ICPC will continue to keep the public informed of significant developments as proceedings progress in both courts.

J. Okor Odey
Head, Media & Public Communications, ICPC.

PWAC: NNPC Academy’s Adekeye Headlines 2026 PENGASSAN Women Convention

We are delighted to announce that Folashade Adekeye, Director, NNPC Academy, will be a Special Guest at the PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC) 2026.

With over 25 years of expertise in Strategic Human Resource Management and Human Capacity Development, Adekeye played a key role in the landmark transition to NNPC Limited under the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). She currently provides stellar leadership at the NNPC Academy, repositioning it as a strategic national and regional training hub.

NNPC

We are proud to see her excellence recognised on this important platform. Join her at the two-day convention, themed ‘The Dynamic Woman,’ on 15th and 16th April 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, commencing at 10:00 AM daily.

IGP Disu Pledges Direct Advocacy For Retirees: Vows To Facilitate Pension Reform, Support For Officers’ Families

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, met yesterday with a delegation of retired police officers to address critical welfare concerns, placing the resolution of pension and gratuity issues at the forefront of the Force’s current agenda.

During the meeting, the IGP Disu highlighted the persistent challenges surrounding pensions and salaries, identifying them as pressing matters that demand immediate attention. He underscored his administration’s determination to pursue lasting solutions and encouraged retirees to maintain a balanced perspective while the leadership navigates the necessary administrative processes.

In a landmark commitment to the welfare of the Force’s veterans, the Inspector General of Police outlined two distinct avenues to ensure retirees’ grievances reach the highest levels of government: first, through an executive liaison mechanism, retirees are encouraged to submit petitions directly to the IGP, who pledged to personally present these documents to the President in advocacy for the signing of the pension bill; second, by guaranteeing security for civic expression, the IGP assured that retirees’ rights will be respected and that full protection will be provided should they choose to embark on peaceful demonstrations to press their demands.

IGP Disu

As a gesture of appreciation for their years of dedicated service, IGP Disu also announced plans to collaborate with relevant officers to improve employment opportunities for the children of retired officers during future recruitment exercises.

Concluding the meeting, IGP Disu emphasized that the dignity and financial security of retired officers are non-negotiable. IGP Disu also emphasized that the Force continues to care for its members, even after they retire from service.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc (+), mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
14th April 2026