- Safiu Kehinde
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has made clarification over the court’s hearing on the extension of the detention of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
As against reports suggesting that the ICPC had during court’s sitting on Tuesday sought fresh extension of El-Rufai’s detention, the commission, in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Relations, John Odey, refuted the claim.
The ICPC clarified that it had only appeared before the court for the hearing of an application filed by the counsel to the former Kaduna governor who sought to overturn the last court order granting the extension of his client’s detention.
“The Commission appeared in Court today for the hearing of Mallam El-Rufai’s application, dated and filed on 6th March 2026, which seeks to overturn the court order renewing his remand issued on 5th March 2026.
“During today’s proceedings, counsel to Mr El-Rufai was served with our response to his application.
“The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the Commission’s response.
“Consequently, the Magistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr El-Rufai’s team sufficient time to react to our response.” The statement partly read.
The ICPC further recalled its initial requests for extension of El-Rufai’s detention while reiterating that the ex-governor is currently still detained under the last court’s ruling on the extension of his detention.
“To keep the public informed, the Commission provides the following timeline of the court authorised detention.
“The initial remand order was granted, allowing the Commission to detain the suspect for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
“Upon the expiration of the initial order, the Commission applied for a 14-day extension to complete its investigations, which the court acceded to on 5th March, 2026.
“Counsel to El-Rufai attempted to set aside the remand order issued on 19th February, 2026, but the application was dismissed on 9th March, 2026.
“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026.” The ICPC wrote.
The Commission reiterated that it is strictly following the court mandated timeline, including the requirement for a progress report.
It however urged members of the public to avoid spreading misinformation over the ex-Kaduna governor’s case.
“The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law.
“The remand of Mr El-Rufai has been authorised by a court of law in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
“Furthermore, the ICPC remains firm in upholding its longstanding policy of avoiding media trials.
“We believe that legal disputes should be settled in the courtroom, not on newspaper pages and social media platforms.
“The Commission’s leadership remains steadfast and undeterred in confronting any and all challenges in the course of the current investigation.
“We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the Commission.” The statement added.