ICPC explains El-Rufai detention, court postpones hearing to March 31

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has provided clarification regarding the detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, stating that the commission did not request a new court order to extend his detention, contrary to reports circulating in the media.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday by John Okor Odey, who serves as Head of Media and Public Communication, the commission explained that its appearance in court on March 17, 2026, was strictly for the hearing of an application submitted by El-Rufai. The application challenged the court order that renewed his remand in custody.

According to the commission, the motion filed by El-Rufai’s legal team was dated March 6, 2026, and requested the court to overturn the remand order that had earlier been granted on March 5, 2026.

During the court session, the ICPC informed the court that its response to the application had been served on El-Rufai’s counsel. After receiving the response, the defence lawyer requested additional time to review the document and prepare a reply.

The commission stated that the request led the presiding Magistrate to adjourn the matter until March 31, 2026, in order to allow the defence team adequate time to study the commission’s response and properly address it during the next hearing.

The ICPC also explained the sequence of events that resulted in the continued detention of the former governor. It noted that the initial remand order granted investigators a period of fourteen days to examine allegations involving money laundering and abuse of office.

After the first remand period expired, the commission applied to the court for another fourteen-day extension to complete its investigation. The court approved the request on March 5, 2026.

The agency further revealed that an earlier application filed by El-Rufai’s lawyers to cancel the remand order issued on February 19, 2026, was dismissed by the court on March 9, 2026.

According to the statement, El-Rufai remains in custody based on the valid remand order granted on March 5, 2026, and the commission emphasized that the detention follows lawful procedures.

The ICPC stressed that it is acting in full compliance with court instructions, including the obligation to submit progress reports on the investigation, while ensuring that due process is followed at every stage.

The commission also reaffirmed that its operations are guided by professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law, noting that the detention order was granted by a competent court in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In addition, the agency warned against the spread of false or unverified information across traditional and social media platforms, urging members of the public to rely only on official statements released by the commission.

The ICPC advised the public to verify information before sharing, stating that accurate updates will always be communicated through its official channels.