From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has refuted reports suggesting it sought a fresh extension of the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.
The clarification was contained in a statement signed by John Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communication at the Commission, on Tuesday.
The Commission explained that its appearance before a Magistrate Court in Abuja on March 17, 2026, was not to request a new remand order but to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai challenging his continued detention.
According to the ICPC, the application, dated March 6, 2026, seeks to overturn an earlier court order granted on March 5, which renewed the former governor’s remand. The Commission stated that during proceedings, counsel to El-Rufai was served its response but requested time to study the documents, prompting the court to adjourn the matter to March 31, 2026.
Providing a timeline of events, the anti-graft agency explained that the initial remand order allowed it to detain El-Rufai for 14 days to investigate allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office. Upon the expiration of that order, the Commission applied for an extension, which was granted by the court on March 5.
It further disclosed that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the remand order issued on February 19 was dismissed by the court on March 9.
“The Commission is strictly adhering to the court-approved timeline and remains committed to the rule of law”, the statement read, noting that El-Rufai’s continued detention is backed by a valid court order in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The ICPC also reiterated its stance against trial by media, urging the public and media organisations to rely on verified information from official sources.
“El-Rufai remains in lawful custody, and the Commission will continue to conduct its investigation with professionalism and respect for due process”, the statement added.
