El-Rufai’s detention extended by 14 days

A Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, has approved the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to extend the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai by 14 days

The order, issued by Chief Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke, is intended to allow the anti-graft agency to complete its investigation into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against El-Rufai. The remand period is set to expire on March 19, 2026.

Court documents obtained by The Nation indicate that the order was granted in the presence of El-Rufai’s lawyer following an application by the ICPC. In the request, prosecuting counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha urged the court to permit the continued detention of the former governor until investigations are concluded.

The court order stated, “An order of this Honourable Court issuing a remand warrant against the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) in favour of the Applicant i.e. Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to detain the Respondent… in its custody for another fourteen (14) days pending conclusion of investigation activities on allegations of Money Laundering/abuse of office.”

It further added, “Application granted as prayed. That the Applicant i.e. the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC is hereby ordered to re-detain the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) for additional 14 days to enable the commission conclude investigation activities. The return date shall be 19th day of March 2026, for report of compliance.”

Despite the ruling, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpong Esop Akpan, has filed a fresh application challenging the validity of the new remand order.

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