Court Grants ICPC 14-Day Extension to Detain El-Rufai Over Alleged Financial Crimes
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Bwari, Abuja, has approved a request by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to keep former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody for another 14 days while investigations into alleged financial misconduct continue.
Court documents obtained by journalists indicate that the extension was granted last Thursday after the anti-corruption agency applied for additional time to complete its probe into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office linked to the former governor’s tenure in Kaduna State. El-Rufai was represented during the proceedings by members of his legal team.
The order follows an earlier 14-day detention previously granted by the court, which the former governor had attempted unsuccessfully to overturn. With the new approval, investigators now have until March 19, 2026, to continue questioning him and gather further information regarding the allegations.
In its application to the court, the ICPC argued that additional time was necessary to conclude its investigative activities. Presiding magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke subsequently granted the request and directed that the former governor remain in the commission’s custody for the additional period.
Despite the ruling, El-Rufai’s lawyers have returned to the same court to challenge the extension after failing to nullify the initial remand order.
They contend that the continued detention is unlawful and constitutes an abuse of legal procedure, maintaining that the magistrate court lacks the authority to grant such remand orders.
Sources within the anti-graft agency, however, insist the commission is acting in accordance with the law, stressing that the detention is backed by valid court approvals. Officials also cited the existence of an outstanding petition against the former governor, noting that investigators must hear his side and complete the inquiry before deciding on the next course of action.
The dispute over his detention is expected to reach a critical stage on March 17, when the magistrate will decide whether the latest remand order should remain in force or be set aside.
The case has already generated significant political and legal attention across the country as the investigation continues.
