Security was significantly tightened on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna as operatives from multiple agencies were strategically deployed ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.

As early as 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel drawn from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps took positions at key entry and exit points leading to the court premises near the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The security buildup led to traffic disruptions, with vehicles restricted to a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, resulting in a gridlock across the area.

The development followed an earlier announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirming that El-Rufai would be arraigned on Tuesday. In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission disclosed that the former governor would appear alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.

According to the ICPC, the charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

The commission further revealed that a separate case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and another individual, Amadu Sule. The charges in that case include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

Both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, the commission said, adding that the date for arraignment in the state court would be announced in due course. It also noted that El-Rufai had been duly served, reaffirming its commitment to due process and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai arrived at the court premises at about 9:00 a.m. under heavy security in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at approximately 9:34 a.m.

Dressed in a light green babanriga and cap, the former governor was closely guarded as operatives of the ICPC and DSS formed a protective cordon around him while ushering him into the courtroom.