ICPC Secures Court Order to Detain El-Rufai for Additional 14 Days
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a fresh court order to detain former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, for an additional 14 days as investigations into alleged corruption continue.
The order was reportedly granted by a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, following an application by the anti-graft agency seeking more time to complete its probe.
The extension comes after the expiration of an earlier 14-day remand order previously obtained by the commission. According to sources familiar with the development, the ICPC is investigating financial transactions and other allegations linked to El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
The commission argued that additional time was necessary to conclude ongoing investigations and compile evidence related to the case. However, El-Rufai’s legal team has strongly opposed the continued detention.
His lawyer maintained that the prolonged custody of the former governor without formal charges violates his fundamental rights and urged the authorities to either charge him in court or release him immediately.
Supporters of the former governor have also criticised the move, describing it as politically motivated, while calling for transparency in the investigation.
The ICPC, on its part, insists that the detention follows due legal procedures, noting that the extension was granted by a competent court in line with provisions of the law that allow investigators to seek remand orders while investigations are ongoing.
The case has attracted significant public attention as legal proceedings and investigations continue. Further court actions are expected in the coming days as the legal team of the former governor challenges the extended detention order.
