ICPC Denies Seeking Fresh Court Order for El-Rufai’s Detention
Last update: March 18, 2026
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The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission clarifies it did not request a new extension of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s remand, following reports in some media outlets.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified that it did not seek a fresh court order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement by the commission’s Head of Media, John Odey, ICPC said it appeared in court on March 17, 2026, only to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6 to overturn a remand order issued on March 5.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel received ICPC’s response and requested an adjournment to review it. Consequently, the magistrate adjourned the hearing to March 31, 2026, to allow the defence sufficient time to respond.\
The ICPC outlined that the former governor remains in lawful custody under the court-authorised remand, initially granted for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. Upon expiry, a further 14-day extension was granted on March 5.
The commission emphasised its adherence to court-mandated timelines and avoidance of media trials, urging the public to rely on official updates rather than unverified reports.
CBI News reports that El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his administrative bail release by the EFCC. The Department of State Services also filed a suit against him for allegedly wiretapping the National Security Adviser’s telephone line.
