Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Monday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in his ongoing trial filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, in a case that continues to draw significant political attention ahead of the African Democratic Congress national convention.
Video footage from ARISE NEWS showed El-Rufai, dressed in a flowing traditional Agbada, making his way through a crowded courthouse corridor packed with supporters, lawyers, political associates, and other onlookers.
Moments before entering the courtroom, the former governor was overheard discussing the ADC national convention scheduled for Tuesday. This brief exchange underscored his continued involvement in opposition politics despite his legal battles.
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“So tomorrow is our convention, right?” El-Rufai was heard asking an associate, who replied, “Insha Allah.”
The courtroom appearance comes as El-Rufai faces multiple charges before the Kaduna State High Court, including allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
In a separate matter before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, the former governor is also standing trial on a 10-count charge involving alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud involving ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.
El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His latest court appearance follows weeks of legal back-and-forth since his return from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, where he had travelled before being taken into custody first by the EFCC and later transferred to the ICPC.
The former governor was temporarily released on compassionate grounds to attend the burial rites of his mother before returning to custody as proceedings continued.
The timing of the resumed proceedings is politically significant, coming on the eve of the ADC convention, where opposition figures are expected to meet amid growing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the ADC has described the case as politically motivated and alleged judicial persecution, the ruling All Progressives Congress has dismissed the claims, insisting that the judicial process should be allowed to run its course.
The case remains one of the most closely watched political and legal developments in the country.
