By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has set the record straight regarding the detention of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, amid misleading reports suggesting that the Commission was in court on March 17, 2026, seeking a fresh extension of his custody.
In a statement signed by the Head of Media and Public Communication, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said the Commission appeared in court only to respond to El-Rufai’s application, filed on March 6, 2026, which sought to overturn the court order renewing his remand issued on March 5, 2026.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s legal team was served with the Commission’s response and subsequently requested an adjournment to reply. The Magistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to March 31, 2026, to allow sufficient time for the defence to respond.
The ICPC also provided a timeline of the court-authorised detention. The initial 14-day remand order was issued to allow the Commission to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. Upon its expiration, the Commission requested a further 14-day extension, which the court granted on March 5, 2026. An earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s counsel to set aside the remand order issued on February 19 was dismissed on March 9, 2026.
The Commission stressed that El-Rufai remains in lawful custody under the March 5 remand order, with all actions fully compliant with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. The ICPC affirmed its commitment to conducting investigations professionally, respecting court mandates, and avoiding media trials.
The agency urged the public to rely solely on official updates and to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media or other platforms, noting that legal disputes should be resolved in court.
The ICPC reaffirmed its determination to carry out the ongoing investigation without interference, emphasizing that the leadership remains steadfast in confronting challenges in the course of its duties.
