The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed charges against former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

Some of the charges filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna include abuse of office, money laundering, diversion of public funds, irregular contract awards, land fraud, and attempts to obstruct justice.

The ICPC, through its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, confirmed that both sets of charges were filed on March 18, 2026, and that El-Rufai has been duly served with the processes. He will be arraigned in court today.

See charges below.

1. Excessive Severance Payment (Abuse of Office): Allegedly approving and receiving N289.8 million as severance benefits — far exceeding his lawful entitlement of approximately N20 million.

2. Money Laundering: Receiving funds he was not entitled to, including suspicious financial inflows linked to unlawful sources.

3. Receipt of Foreign Currency from Questionable Sources: Receiving foreign currency payments traced to individuals or entities connected to illicit activities.

4. Diversion of World Bank Funds (Criminal Breach of Trust): Diverting and misusing more than $1 million from a World Bank loan contrary to agreed terms.

5. Irregular Award of N11 Billion Light Rail Contract: Approving funds for a light rail project awarded to Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Ltd, a company allegedly not properly registered, for a project that was never executed.

6. Procurement Breach — CCTV Contract (N4.61 Billion): Awarding a CCTV contract to Singularity Network Security Ltd in violation of Kaduna State procurement laws.

7. Undue Advantage in $22.475 Million Contract: Using his office to confer improper benefits on the same company (Singularity) through another contract valued at $22.475 million.

8. Land Fraud and False Representation: Conspiring with associate Ahmadu Sule and companies to submit false information to acquire land along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway.

9. Unlawful Revocation and Reallocation of Land: Revoking a valid Certificate of Occupancy belonging to Mohammed Umar Karage and reallocating the land to associates, amounting to abuse of office and breach of trust.

10. Attempt to Obstruct Justice (Conspiracy): Conspiring to offer financial inducements in Nigeria and abroad (including in Dubai and Cairo) to influence investigators probing the Singularity contracts.