ICPC denies seeking a fresh remand order for former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, says detention remains lawful
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has dismissed reports claiming it sought a fresh remand order for former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
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In a statement issued by its spokesperson, John Odey, the commission described the reports as false and misleading.
The ICPC clarified that its appearance before a court in Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, was solely to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6, which sought to overturn an earlier court order extending his detention.
According to the commission, it did not request any fresh remand during the proceedings.
Instead, El-Rufai’s legal team was served with its response, after which the defence requested more time to reply.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026.
The agency maintained that El-Rufai’s detention remains valid under an existing court order.
It noted that an initial 14-day remand was granted to allow investigation into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office, followed by a 14-day extension approved on March 5, 2026.
The ICPC also disclosed that a previous attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the initial remand order granted on February 19, 2026, was dismissed on March 9.
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Reaffirming its position, the commission stated that the former governor is being held lawfully in compliance with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act governing detention and investigation procedures.
