Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Arraigned at Federal High Court Amid Strict Security and Media Restrictions

Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai faces ICPC charges in Kaduna Federal High Court as security forces bar journalists and restrict city traffic.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 6:11 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

High Security Deployment at the Federal High Court

The atmosphere surrounding the Federal High Court in Kaduna was one of intense scrutiny as the legal proceedings against former Governor Nasir El-Rufai commenced. Arriving at approximately 9:00 a.m. in a non-descript Hilux vehicle, the former state executive remained inside for thirty minutes before being escorted into the building. The operation was managed by a joint force of operatives from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services. According to eyewitness accounts, the security detail formed a protective shield around the former governor, ensuring he was isolated from the public as he made his way to the courtroom at 9:34 a.m.

The Exclusion of Independent Media Personnel

In a move that has drawn significant criticism from civil society, members of the press were systematically denied entry to the courtroom. Journalists who arrived to cover the high-profile arraignment were reportedly turned away by security personnel, preventing a transparent record of the morning's legal arguments. According to online reports, this restriction on media access has fueled local debate regarding the transparency of the judicial process in cases involving high-ranking former officials. The absence of independent reporters within the chamber meant that the initial minutes of the hearing were conducted away from the eyes of the fourth estate.

Traffic Paralysis Across the Kaduna Metropolis

The scale of the security operation extended far beyond the court premises, resulting in a near-total shutdown of major transit routes in the city. Vehicular movement was severely restricted along the Ungwan Sarki axis through to Kawo, forcing motorists to navigate a single lane for several hours. This logistical bottleneck led to widespread traffic disruptions, with many residents reporting significant delays in their daily commutes. According to local traffic observers, the cordoning off of the area was a necessary measure according to the security agencies, though it placed a heavy burden on the capital’s transportation network.