The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified that it did not request a fresh extension of the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during proceedings in court on Tuesday.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that El-Rufai was set to be transferred to Kaduna for a new corruption trial. While details of the alleged case remain limited, a senior security source confirmed that the former governor is “to be transferred to Kaduna for a fresh corruption trial.”
In a statement issued on March 17, 2026, the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communication, John Okor Odey, explained that the agency’s appearance in the Abuja court was solely in response to an application filed by El-Rufai challenging the legality of his continued remand.
“El-Rufai filed an application on March 6, 2026, seeking to overturn a remand order earlier granted on March 5, 2026,” the statement said.
The ICPC said its legal team served El-Rufai’s counsel with a response to the application during the proceedings. However, the former governor’s lawyer requested additional time to file a reply. As a result, the Magistrate adjourned the hearing to March 31, 2026.
According to the Commission, El-Rufai was initially granted a 14-day remand order to allow investigation into allegations related to money laundering and abuse of office. Upon expiration, the ICPC applied for and obtained a further 14-day extension on March 5. An earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s lawyers to overturn the initial remand order from February 19 was dismissed by the court on March 9.
“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated March 5, 2026. The Commission is strictly following the court-mandated timeline,” the agency said, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal framework guiding its actions.
The ICPC also warned against the spread of misinformation, emphasizing that all its actions are in line with due process, professionalism, and the rule of law. “We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the Commission,” it added.
