El-Rufai Returns to Court After Compassionate Release for Mother’s Burial Amid High-Profile Corruption Trial

By Tgnews Reporter

Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai appeared at the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, shortly after his temporary release from custody to attend his mother’s burial.

El-Rufai was produced in court alongside co-defendant Amadu Sule to face charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The allegations include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage on certain persons.

The ICPC had earlier arraigned the former governor at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on a separate 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering. That matter was adjourned to today for the hearing of pending applications, including his bail request.

El-Rufai had been in ICPC detention for over a month before his initial arraignment last week. The anti-graft agency released him on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, after a brief illness.

Her remains were flown back to Nigeria and buried in Abuja on Sunday, March 29, 2026, after funeral prayers at the National Mosque.

The burial drew an impressive turnout of political figures across party lines. Dignitaries who condoled with El-Rufai or participated in the rites included President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several state governors, among them his successor Senator Uba Sani.

Opposition leaders such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-ministers including Isa Pantami, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola also paid their respects. Business mogul Aliko Dangote was among those present.

El-Rufai’s camp and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with which he is now aligned, have consistently denied the allegations against him, describing the prosecution as politically motivated.

Proceedings at the State High Court focused on the fresh charges, while the Federal High Court matter is expected to address the bail application and other motions today.

The case continues to attract significant public attention, coming at a time of heightened political realignments ahead of future elections.

This development underscores the ongoing anti-corruption efforts by the ICPC while highlighting the personal challenges faced by high-profile figures in the political arena.