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| Mallam Nasir El-Rufai |
KADUNA – As Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s legal battle intensifies, new details from the ICPC charge sheet have revealed a series of alleged financial irregularities, ranging from massive overpayments to unexplained dollar deposits.
The N579 Million Severance Scandal
The ICPC alleges that El-Rufai illegally collected hundreds of millions in severance pay, far exceeding his legal entitlement.
- The Claim: He allegedly took possession of N289.8 million on two separate occasions (September 2020 and January 2023).
- The Reality: According to the commission, his legitimate entitlement was only N20 million per term (N40 million total).
- The Math: The alleged overpayment is more than 300% of his annual basic salary, which the ICPC argues constitutes proceeds of corruption and money laundering.
The $781,900 Domiciliary Deposits
The court documents also highlight "curious" payments into the former governor's Guaranty Trust Bank domiciliary account between 2017 and 2023.
- The Key Players: A staff member, Joel Adoga, allegedly deposited $320,800 in tranches. Other individuals, some of whom have reportedly fled the country, deposited sums including $305,300 and $155,800.
- Total Alleged Unexplained Funds: $781,900.
Courtroom Drama: Bail on Hold
During his arraignment yesterday, El-Rufai denied all charges. While his lead counsel, Ukpong Akpan, pushed for bail so his client could prepare for trial, the ICPC’s prosecution head, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, strongly opposed it, citing the risk to ongoing investigations.
- The Result: Justice Rilwan Aikawa has adjourned the bail ruling until Tuesday, March 31.
Lockdown in Kaduna
The atmosphere around the Federal High Court was one of total lockdown. Heavily armed personnel from the DSS, Police, and Civil Defence blocked strategic points, causing massive traffic jams through the Ungwan Sarki axis.
- Solidarity: His son, Bello El-Rufai, was present in court, describing his visit as purely supportive for his father.
- Public Reaction: The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has already praised the ICPC, calling the arraignment a "powerful reminder" that no one is above the law.
Key Takeaways for Information Hub Readers:
- Alleged Fraud: N579 million in severance pay (300% over the legal limit).
- Dollar Deposits: Over $781,000 paid into a private account by staff and individuals now at large.
- Next Step: Bail hearing set for Tuesday, March 31.
- Security: Expect continued traffic disruptions around the old NDA area in Kaduna during court dates.
