JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
By Victor Osula, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has denied reports that it has sought a fresh extension of the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.
The clarification is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by John Okor Odey, the Commission’s head of media and public communications.
The Commission explained that his appearance before a Magistrates Court in Abuja on 17 March 2026 was not to apply for a fresh detention order but to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai challenging his continued detention.
According to the ICPC, the request, dated March 6, 2026, seeks to overturn an earlier court order issued on March 5, renewing the former governor’s remand. The Commission said that during the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer received his response but requested time to study the documents, prompting the court to adjourn the matter to March 31, 2026.
Providing a timeline of events, the anti-corruption agency explained that the initial detention order allowed it to detain El-Rufai for 14 days to investigate allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office. When that order expired, the Commission asked for an extension, which was granted by the court on March 5.
He further revealed that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to quash the detention order issued on 19 February was rejected by the court on 9 March.
“The Commission strictly complies with the court-approved timetable and remains committed to the rule of law,” the statement read, stressing that El-Rufai’s continued detention is supported by a valid court order in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The ICPC also reiterated its stance against trials by the media, urging the public and media organizations to rely on verified information from official sources.
“El-Rufai remains in lawful custody and the Commission will continue to conduct its investigations with professionalism and due process,” the statement added.
Post views:
28
