Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is facing a legal battle to explain how he received ₦579 million in severance pay—an amount allegedly exceeding his legal entitlement by over 300%.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned the former governor at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
According to The Nation news, the charge sheet, El-Rufai was entitled to roughly ₦40 million total for his two terms in office.
However, the ICPC alleges he illegally collected ₦289.8 million in September 2020 and another ₦289.8 million in January 2023.
Beyond the severance pay, the commission is investigating "strange deposits" totaling $781,900 made into his domiciliary account by staff members and individuals currently at large.
Representing the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha argued that the funds are proceeds of corruption and money laundering.
One specific count details $320,800 deposited in tranches by one Joel Adoga between 2017 and 2023.
“You directly took possession of ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance over and above your legitimately entitled sum... which you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act,” the charge sheet read.
El-Rufai has denied all allegations, with his counsel, Ukpong Akpan, filing for bail.
While supporters and his son, Bello, gathered at the court amid tight security, Justice Rilwan Aikawa adjourned the bail ruling until next Tuesday.
Pro-democracy groups have praised the ICPC, describing the case as a milestone in ensuring that no public official is above the law.
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