Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

A Magistrate Court in Abuja is set to deliver a ruling on Tuesday, March 17, regarding the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s request to extend the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, by another 14 days.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Okechukwu Akweke, will decide whether to approve or reject the ICPC’s application as the anti‑graft agency continues its probe into allegations against El‑Rufai, including money laundering, abuse of office, and illegal interception of communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El‑Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, following an earlier 14‑day remand order obtained from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja. That initial remand expired on March 5, 2026, prompting ICPC to seek a fresh extension as investigations continue.

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The former governor’s legal team, relatives, and supporters have criticised the continued detention, describing it as unlawful. They argue that since the initial remand expired, El‑Rufai should either be released or formally charged before a competent court. In response, he has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, naming the ICPC, EFCC, DSS, and Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.

The ICPC maintains that it is acting within the law, insisting that the fresh 14‑day remand order is valid and necessary to conclude ongoing investigations, which involve forensic examination of electronic devices, financial records, and other evidence recovered from El‑Rufai’s Abuja residence. The agency has filed an inventory listing 67 items retrieved during the search, including laptops, phones, and storage devices.

El‑Rufai’s lawyers, however, contend that some of the searches were irregular, violating his constitutional rights, and have challenged the admissibility of the evidence in court. The FCT High Court is also considering claims for ₦1 billion in damages for alleged rights violations related to the searches.

Observers say the outcome of Tuesday’s ruling will be critical in determining whether El‑Rufai remains in ICPC custody beyond March 19, or whether he will be released or granted bail while legal proceedings continue. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting ongoing debates over anti-corruption investigations, rule of law, and the rights of former public officials.

Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai