Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially refuted circulating reports suggesting it sought a fresh court order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai. The clarification, issued on Tuesday, emphasised that the commission’s appearance in court was related solely to an application filed by El‑Rufai challenging an existing remand order and not to request a new detention order.
According to the ICPC, the former governor submitted a motion on March 6 seeking to overturn a remand order granted on March 5. During proceedings on March 17, the ICPC responded to this motion, and the court adjourned the matter to March 31 to allow El‑Rufai’s legal team time to review the filings. At no point did the commission request an extension of detention beyond the existing court-approved remand.
The ICPC reiterated that El‑Rufai remains in custody under a valid court-issued remand, initially granted on February 19 and extended on March 5 to allow investigations into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office to continue. The agency emphasised that the claims of a fresh remand request were inaccurate and misleading.
The commission urged the public and media practitioners to rely on verified statements issued by the ICPC and discouraged the spread of unconfirmed information through social media. It also stressed that legal disputes should be resolved in court rather than in public narratives or news speculation.
El‑Rufai has been in ICPC custody since mid-February 2026 following an arrest initially conducted by law enforcement authorities. His legal team has been actively challenging aspects of the remand process, with motions filed to set aside previous orders. The March 17 court session was part of ongoing judicial proceedings between the defence and the commission regarding the validity of the March 5 extension.
The case has drawn national attention, with observers noting the tension between due process and the need for law enforcement to conduct thorough investigations. El‑Rufai’s team continues to pursue legal avenues to contest the remand, while the ICPC maintains that all actions have been within lawful court authority and procedural compliance.
Attention now shifts to the March 31 hearing, where the magistrate will consider the defence’s responses to the ICPC’s filings and determine the continuation or adjustment of the existing remand order. This case continues to highlight the complex interplay of legal procedures, anti-corruption enforcement, and public interest in high-profile political and legal matters in Nigeria.
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