The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, dismissing media reports that it sought a fresh extension of his remand.
In a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communication, John Okor Odey, on Tuesday, the Commission urged the public to rely on verified official information, warning against the spread of inaccurate reports regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
The ICPC explained that its court appearance on March 17, 2026, was not to request a new remand order, but to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai’s legal team on March 6. The application seeks to overturn a March 5 court ruling that renewed his detention.
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Procedural delay
According to the Commission, during the proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel was served with its counter-arguments. The defence subsequently requested an adjournment to enable them to respond adequately.
The presiding Magistrate granted the request and adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026.
Investigation timeline
Providing further clarity, the ICPC outlined the sequence of court-approved actions leading to the current detention:
- An initial 14-day remand order was granted to allow an investigation into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
- Upon expiration, the court approved a further 14-day extension on March 5, 2026.
- An earlier attempt by the defence to vacate a February 19 remand order was dismissed by the court on March 9, 2026.
Commitment to rule of law
The Commission maintained that El-Rufai remains in lawful custody under the subsisting March 5 court order and that all actions taken are within the ambit of the law.
“The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law,” the statement read, stressing its commitment to due process and its longstanding policy against “media trials.”
The anti-corruption agency further emphasised that legal disputes should be resolved in court rather than in the public sphere.
