Nigeria, April 14 -- The arraignment, held on Monday before Justice Darius Khobo, followed an amendment of the original charge by the prosecution, which separated the case earlier filed jointly against El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule.

The prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, told the court the amendment became necessary due to the continued absence of the second defendant, who was reportedly unavailable on medical grounds. The court granted the application, allowing El-Rufai's trial to proceed independently.

El-Rufai was subsequently re-arraigned on nine amended counts under provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, as well as rele...