Olayiwola Matthew
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, remains in lawful custody over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
In a statement on Tuesday, John Okor Odey, ICPC spokesperson, said on March 5, the magistrate court extended the initial remand order for el-Rufai by another 14 days. The ex-minister has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19 after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
There have been several calls for the commission to release or arraign El-Rufai.
In what appears to be a reaction to the calls for el-Rufai’s release, Odey said the commission is “strictly following the court-mandated timeline” on the remand in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
“To keep the public informed, the commission provides the following timeline of the court-authorized detention,” the statement reads.
“The initial remand order was granted, allowing the Commission to detain the suspect for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
Upon the expiration of the initial order, the Commission applied for a 14-day extension to complete its investigations, which the court acceded to on 5th March, 2026.
“Counsel to el-Rufai attempted to set aside the remand order issued on 19th February, 2026, but the application was dismissed on 9th March, 2026.
“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026.
“The commission is strictly following the court-mandated timeline, including the requirement for a progress report. The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law.
“The remand of Mr El-Rufai has been authorised by a court of law in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
“Furthermore, the ICPC remains firm in upholding its longstanding policy of avoiding media trials. We believe that legal disputes should be settled in the courtroom, not on newspaper pages and social media platforms.
“The commission’s leadership remains steadfast and undeterred in confronting any challenges in the course of the current investigation.
“We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the commission.”
El-Rufai had filed a fundamental rights suit before the federal high court in Abuja over the search conducted on his residence by the ICPC and the remand order issued on February 19.
The ICPC, the Chief Magistrate who issued the order, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) are respondents in the suit.
