Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has arrived for arraignment on corruption charges before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday morning amid tight security.
El-Rufai arrived in court at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle, where he remained for 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at about 9:34 a.m.
He was surrounded by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), while those from the Department of State Services (DSS) formed a protective shield around him in the courtroom.
Journalists were reportedly denied entry while vehicular movement was restricted, leading to motorists taking a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo due to traffic disruptions.
The former governor has been in detention since he honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Cirmes Commission (EFCC).
He spent 48 hours in EFCC custody before ICPC arrested and detained hm.
There has been pressure on the ICPC to either release or charge the former governor to court.
On Monday, the anti-graft agency announced that it would arraign El-Rufai over alleged money laundering and conversion of public property.
The commission said he would be be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga.
The commission also disclosed that a separate charge, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, was filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
It said the charges in the state case include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
