The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports claiming it sought a fresh court order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, insisting that his custody remains backed by a valid court directive.
In a press statement dated 17 March 2026, the Commission said it issued the clarification to address “inaccurate reports by some media outlets suggesting that the Commission was in court today, 17th March 2026, seeking a fresh extension of his detention.”
According to the ICPC, its appearance in court was strictly in response to an application filed by El-Rufai challenging his continued detention.
“The Commission appeared in Court today for the hearing of Mallam El-Rufai’s application, dated and filed on 6th March 2026, which seeks to overturn the court order renewing his remand issued on 5th March 2026,” the statement read.
The anti-corruption agency disclosed that during proceedings, it served its response to El-Rufai’s legal team, which then requested more time to reply.
“During today’s proceedings, counsel to Mr El-Rufai was served with our response to his application. 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.”
Providing a timeline of events, the Commission stated that El-Rufai’s detention followed a court approved process tied to ongoing investigations into alleged financial crimes.
“The initial remand order was granted, allowing the Commission to detain the suspect for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. Upon the expiration of the initial order, the Commission applied for a 14-day extension to complete its investigations, which the court acceded to on 5th March, 2026.”
It further noted that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s counsel to nullify the remand order had already failed.
“Counsel to El-Rufai attempted to set aside the remand order issued on 19th February, 2026, but the application was dismissed on 9th March, 2026.”
The ICPC maintained that the former governor remains in custody in line with legal provisions.
“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026. The Commission is strictly following the court mandated timeline, including the requirement for a progress report.”
It emphasised that all actions taken so far align with the law.
“The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law. The remand of Mr El-Rufai has been authorised by a court of law in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.”
The Commission also reiterated its stance against media interference in legal processes.
“Furthermore, the ICPC remains firm in upholding its longstanding policy of avoiding media trials. We believe that legal disputes should be settled in the courtroom, not on newspaper pages and social media platforms. The Commission’s leadership remains steadfast and undeterred in confronting any and all challenges in the course of the current investigation.”
It urged the public to rely on verified information.
“We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the Commission.”
The statement was signed by John Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communication at the ICPC.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
About the Author
