The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has elucidated the current legal standing regarding the detention of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
The ICPC indicated it was essential to rectify what it labeled as erroneous accounts implying that the Commission was in court on Tuesday pursuing a new extension of his detention.
In a statement endorsed by John Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communication, the Commission urged the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information and to depend on official announcements.
“The Commission attended court today for the hearing of Mallam El-Rufai’s motion, dated and submitted on 6th March 2026, which aims to annul the court order extending his remand issued on 5th March 2026,” the statement noted.
“During today’s session, the counsel for Mr. El-Rufai was presented with our reply to his motion. The attorney subsequently sought a postponement to address the Commission’s argument.
“As a result, the Magistrate adjourned the examination of the motion to 31st March 2026 to provide Mr. El-Rufai’s team ample time to respond.
“To keep the public updated, the Commission offers the following timeline of the court-sanctioned detention: The initial remand order permitted the Commission to hold the suspect for 14 days to scrutinize allegations of money laundering and misuse of office. Upon the conclusion of the initial order, the Commission requested a 14-day extension to finalize its investigations, which the court approved on 5th March 2026.
“Counsel for El-Rufai attempted to overturn the remand order issued on 19th February 2026, but the request was rejected on 9th March 2026. Mallam El-Rufai continues to be in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March 2026.
“The Commission is meticulously adhering to the court-mandated timeline, which includes the obligation to submit a progress report. The ICPC executes its responsibilities with the utmost professionalism and deference to the rule of law.
“The remand of Mr. El-Rufai has been sanctioned by a court of law in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
“Moreover, the ICPC remains steadfast in upholding its long-established principle of avoiding media trials. We assert that legal conflicts ought to be resolved in the courtroom, not within the pages of newspapers or across social media platforms.”
