The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has demanded his immediate and unconditional release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), insisting that his continued detention lacks legal justification
In a statement signed by his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family said the former Federal Capital Territory minister has remained in ICPC custody even after the expiration of the initial legal order permitting his detention.
El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 18, 2026, after responding to an invitation from the anti-graft agency. A magistrate’s court issued a remand order on February 19, allowing the ICPC to hold him for 14 days pending investigation. The family argued that the detention period has elapsed, yet no charges have been filed in a competent court nor has a fresh order been obtained to justify his continued custody.
“As of today, there is no valid legal instrument authorising his detention,” the family said, describing the situation as unlawful and urging the ICPC to release him immediately.
The statement follows a legal and political dispute triggered by a raid on El-Rufai’s Abuja residence by ICPC officials. Operatives searched the property on February 19, shortly after confirming his custody. His media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, said officials arrived around 2 p.m. to conduct the search.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the operation, calling it “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.” The ICPC confirmed his detention in connection with an ongoing investigation but did not provide details of the case.
Following the raid, El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, challenging what he described as an unlawful invasion of his home. Through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), he seeks a court declaration that the search warrant used was invalid and unconstitutional, arguing it violated his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
The case has drawn significant political attention, particularly as El-Rufai has recently criticised the Federal Government and aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, El-Rufai’s family maintains that the ICPC must either formally charge him in court or release him, warning that continued detention without lawful authority undermines due process and the rule of law.
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