A magistrate court in Abuja is set to rule on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, regarding the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s request for an additional 14-day detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The presiding magistrate, Okechukwu Akweke, scheduled the ruling last week to allow the court to determine whether to grant or dismiss the commission’s application.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations including money laundering and the illegal interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The ICPC initially obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, on February 19, which expired on March 5, 2026.
Following the expiration of the order, El-Rufai’s lawyers, family, and supporters criticised his continued detention as unlawful. They argue that, without a fresh court order, the ICPC should either release him or formally charge him before a competent court.
El-Rufai has also filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the FCT High Court, challenging what he described as the prolonged and unlawful nature of his detention. The suit names the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the ICPC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
The ICPC, however, maintains that it has not violated El-Rufai’s rights, asserting that the original 14-day remand order was valid and can be renewed pending the completion of its investigation. The court’s ruling on Tuesday will determine whether the former governor will remain in custody or be released.
