The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, stating that the agency did not approach the court to seek a fresh extension of his detention as widely reported.
In a statement signed by John Okor Odey, Head of Media and
Public Communication on Tuesday, the commission explained that it appeared in
court on March 17, 2026, only for the hearing of an application filed by
El-Rufai challenging the court order that renewed his remand.
According to the ICPC, the application was dated and filed
on March 6, 2026, seeking to overturn the remand order earlier granted by the
court on March 5.
During the proceedings, counsel to El-Rufai was served with
the commission’s response to the application and subsequently requested an
adjournment to study and respond to the filing.
“The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond
to the Commission’s response. Consequently, the Magistrate adjourned the
hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr. El-Rufai’s team
sufficient time to react to our response,” the statement said.
The commission also outlined the timeline of the
court-approved detention of the former governor, noting that the initial remand
order allowed investigators 14 days to probe allegations of money laundering
and abuse of office.
It added that upon the expiration of the initial order, the
commission applied for an additional 14-day extension to conclude its
investigations, which the court granted on March 5.
The ICPC further disclosed that an earlier attempt by
El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the remand order issued on February 19,
2026, was dismissed by the court on March 9.
“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC
under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026,” the commission stated.
The agency stressed that it was strictly complying with
court directives, including the requirement to provide progress reports, and
reiterated its commitment to due process.
“The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest
professionalism and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added, noting
that the detention was authorised by a court in accordance with the provisions
of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The commission also cautioned against misinformation
circulating in the media and on social media platforms.
“We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified
information and to rely on official updates from the Commission,” it said.
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