There was a tight security presence at the Kaduna High Court as the former State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Tuesday arrived at the court for the continuation of proceedings in the corruption case filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Several people gathered at the high court awaiting the outcome of El-Rufai’s bail ruling by the court. Meanwhile, the armed security personnel kept the people away from the court premises

El-Rufai, who had earlier denied the allegations against him, was brought to court by operatives of the commission in a white Hilux vehicle.

The former governor is facing a nine-count amended charge bordering on alleged fraud, abuse of office and corruption.

The case resumed with the hearing of his bail application after the court had earlier taken his plea.

Counsel to the defendant, Ukpong Abang, is leading the defence team in the matter.

Besides, Journalists and members of the public gathered for the proceedings.

Recall in March that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned former Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court over alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.

The arraignment took place before Justice Darius Khobo at the High Court, Kaduna, following a strategic amendment of the initial charge by the prosecution counsel, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.

The prosecution separated the joint charge earlier filed against el-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, citing the latter’s continued absence from court due to a reported medical condition. The court granted the application, allowing proceedings to continue against el-Rufai alone.

The ex-governor was subsequently docked on nine amended counts alleging violations under multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices and other related offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act, as well as Kaduna State’s Penal Code and Public Procurement Law.