By Ayo Ayodele
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has obtained a court order to detain former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai for an additional 14 days while investigations into allegations against him continue.
The order was granted by Chief Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke of the Bwari Magistrate Court in Abuja. It allows the anti-graft agency to keep the former governor in custody as it concludes investigations into alleged money laundering and abuse of office. The detention order will lapse on March 19, 2026.
Court records indicate that the ruling was issued in the presence of el-Rufai’s lawyer after the ICPC requested more time to complete its investigation.
However, el-Rufai’s legal team has challenged the order. His counsel has filed an application asking the court to set aside the renewed detention, describing it as a jurisdictional overreach.
The magistrate has fixed March 17 to decide whether the fresh remand order should stand.
Sources within the ICPC insisted the commission followed due process, noting that the detention was based on a valid court order and that the former governor’s legal team has participated in all proceedings. The commission also said it is investigating a petition filed against el-Rufai and must hear from him before concluding its probe.