The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has clarified the current legal status of the remand in detention of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
The ICPC said it was important to correct what it described as inaccurate reports suggesting that the Commission was in court on Tuesday seeking a fresh extension of his detention.
In a statement signed by John Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communication, the Commission urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates.
“The Commission appeared in court today for the hearing of Mallam El-Rufai’s application, dated and filed on 6th March 2026, which seeks to overturn the court order renewing his remand issued on 5th March 2026,” the statement said.
“During today’s proceedings, counsel to Mr El-Rufai was served with our response to his application. The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the Commission’s submission.
“Consequently, the Magistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr El-Rufai’s team sufficient time to respond.
“To keep the public informed, the Commission provides the following timeline of the court-authorised detention: 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 granted 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 to submit a progress report. The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest level of 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 or social media platforms.”
No fresh detention bid on El-Rufai — ICPC