Why We Are Still Detaining El-Rufai - ICPC.

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has dismissed reports claiming it went to court to seek a new order to keep former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in detention.

The commission made this known on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, through its spokesperson, John Odey, who explained that its appearance in court on March 17 was linked to an application filed by El-Rufai.

The commission noted that it was in court based on an application submitted on March 6 by El-Rufai, aimed at cancelling the remand order earlier granted by the court on March 5.

According to the commission, during the court session, its legal response to the application was served on El-Rufai’s lawyer.

After receiving the reply, the defence counsel asked for more time to study it properly.

The request led the magistrate to postpone the matter until March 31, 2026, to allow the defence team prepare its response.

The agency explained that the current detention of the former governor is still based on an existing court order.

It traced the process, stating that the court first approved a 14-day remand to allow investigation into allegations involving money laundering and abuse of office.

After the initial period ended, the commission applied for another 14 days, which the court granted on March 5.

It also revealed that an earlier effort by El-Rufai’s legal team to cancel a previous remand order issued on February 19 was rejected by the court on March 9.

The commission maintained that El-Rufai remains in custody based on a valid court order and that all actions taken so far follow legal procedures.

It added that it has continued to comply with court requirements, including providing updates on the progress of its investigation.

The agency noted that the detention follows the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

It also stated that it prefers to handle legal matters within the court system rather than through public debates or media discussions.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the commission since February 19, 2026.

Before then, he had returned to Nigeria from Cairo on February 12 and honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16.

He was later granted administrative bail by the anti-graft agency on February 19 before being taken into custody by the ICPC on the same day.