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.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated clearly that there is no ambiguity about his political position regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that he does not require any special meeting to declare where his loyalty lies. Wike made this known during an end-of-year media interaction held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he addressed several political issues, including recent comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. According to Wike, Nigerians are already well aware of his political alignment, especially concerning his support for President Tinubu’s administration. The FCT Minister was reacting to claims credited to Governor Makinde, who had earlier alleged that Wike, during a visit to the Presidential Villa in 2024, told President Tinubu that he would “hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” for him. Wike firmly rejected this claim, describing it as inaccurate and misleading. Clarifying the circumstances surrounding the meeting with the President, Wike explained that the visit had no connection whatsoever with the internal affairs or control of the PDP. Instead, he noted that the engagement was purely a show of support for the President’s leadership and governance direction. Wike emphasized that his stance on Tinubu has never been hidden, adding that there was no need for a private discussion to express his support. He maintained that his political position has always been open and consistent, making any suggestion of secret commitments unnecessary. In his words, Wike stressed that as a serving minister in the Tinubu administration, he carries the responsibility of ensuring that members of the G-5 group are not sidelined and that they benefit from the federal government’s policies and opportunities in one way or another. The former Rivers State governor also turned his attention to governance issues in Oyo State, stating that Governor Makinde has an obligation to be transparent with the people of the state. Wike pointed specifically to the ₦50 billion intervention fund reportedly released by the Tinubu administration following the January 2024 explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan. According to Wike, such a significant sum of public funds should be properly accounted for, noting that due process requires the money to be formally appropriated before expenditure. He insisted that residents of Oyo State deserve a clear explanation on how the funds were utilized. Wike’s comments highlight ongoing political tensions within opposition ranks while also underscoring broader concerns about accountability, transparency, and political alignment in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Kindly Share:
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, made a public appearance at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting in Abuja just hours after securing bail from an FCT High Court earlier the same day. Ngige’s arrival at the high-level party meeting followed his release on bail in relation to an ongoing legal matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former minister is currently facing an eight-count charge, which centers on allegations linked to abuse of official position and the acceptance of gifts while he was in public office. According to the charges filed by the anti-graft agency, the alleged gifts are valued at approximately ₦2.2 billion. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Ngige proceeded to attend the APC National Caucus gathering in the nation’s capital shortly after meeting his bail conditions. The development drew attention due to the close timing between the court’s decision and his presence at the party’s strategic meeting, highlighting an intersection between legal proceedings and political engagements. No further details regarding deliberations at the caucus or comments from Ngige were made available at the time of reporting.
