Heavy Security as El-Rufai Faces Court in Kaduna, Media Shut Out
By Ranti Thomas
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was brought before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday amid heavy security over corruption allegations.
He arrived at the court complex at about 9:00 a.m. and stayed inside his vehicle briefly before being escorted into the courtroom around 9:34 a.m.
Security operatives formed a tight shield around him as he made his way into the court, limiting access to the area.
Despite arriving early, journalists were prevented from entering the courtroom, with officials of the Department of State Services enforcing the restriction.
The court premises, located at the old Nigerian Defence Academy, witnessed a strong security presence from early morning hours.
Personnel from the DSS, Nigeria Police, Mobile Police, and Civil Defence were deployed, while traffic in the surrounding area was partially restricted.
The court appearance followed confirmation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that El-Rufai would be arraigned.
The anti-graft agency filed charges against him and one Joel Adoga, accusing them of offences including alleged misuse of public funds and money laundering.
Another case involving El-Rufai and an associate, Amadu Sule, has also been filed at a Kaduna State High Court, with charges linked to fraud and abuse of office.
The development comes after weeks of legal tension surrounding his detention, which had attracted reactions from political groups and rights organisations calling for proper legal process.