- The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been granted a fresh remand warrant to keep former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, in custody until March 19, 2026.
- The anti-graft agency states the extension is necessary as investigations into alleged money laundering and abuse of office have widened.
- El-Rufai’s legal team is challenging the detention, labeling it a “jurisdictional overreach,” with a court ruling on their application set for March 17.
The legal battle surrounding the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, intensified on Wednesday as a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari granted the ICPC an additional 14 days to hold him in custody.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the order, issued by Chief Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke, aims to allow the commission to conclude its expanding investigation into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office during el-Rufai’s tenure.
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The ICPC, through its prosecuting counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, argued that the remand was essential to prevent the interference with ongoing investigative activities.
Despite the ex-governor being duly represented by his legal team during the proceedings, el-Rufai’s counsel has maintained that the commission’s actions are a breach of fundamental rights.
Responding to public claims that the commission is being used as a political tool, a senior source within the ICPC clarified that all procedures have followed the rule of law.
“With a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as the commission’s chairman, we cannot detain el-Rufai or any suspect without a valid court order,” the source stated.
They emphasized that the legal team of the former governor has been part of every process, contrary to the narrative of “oppression” being shared in some media circles.
On his part, el-Rufai is fighting back vigorously. His lead counsel, Ukpong Esop Akpan, filed an application to nullify the detention orders, citing sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and the 1999 Constitution.
The defense argues that the Magistrate Court is exercising “jurisdictional overreach” by granting successive remand warrants.
As it stands, el-Rufai remains in custody, with all eyes on the scheduled March 17 court date, where the Chief Magistrate will decide whether to set aside the latest detention order or allow the ICPC to hold the former governor until the March 19 deadline.
