The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports claiming it approached a court to seek a fresh order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the commission said such reports were inaccurate and misleading. It explained that its appearance in court on March 17, 2026, was strictly for the hearing of an application filed by El-Rufai, and not to request a new remand order.
The clarification was made by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communication, John Odey, who said the agency found it necessary to correct what it described as false narratives circulating in parts of the media.
According to the ICPC, the court session on March 17 was related to an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6. In that application, the former governor is seeking to overturn an earlier court decision that renewed his detention.
The anti-graft agency stated that during the proceedings, its legal team served El-Rufai’s lawyer with a response to the application. After receiving the response, the defence counsel requested more time to study the document and prepare a reply.
Following this request, the presiding magistrate granted an adjournment and fixed March 31, 2026, for the continuation of the hearing. The court said the adjournment would allow the defence team enough time to respond properly.
The ICPC stressed that at no point during the proceedings did it apply for a fresh order to extend El-Rufai’s detention, contrary to what had been reported in some media outlets.
To provide clarity, the commission outlined the sequence of events that led to the current situation.
It explained that El-Rufai was first remanded in custody based on a court order that allowed the ICPC to detain him for 14 days. This initial detention was to enable the agency to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
After the first 14-day period expired, the commission applied for an extension to complete its investigation. The court granted this request on March 5, 2026, approving another 14-day remand.
The ICPC noted that this second remand order is still valid and remains the legal basis for El-Rufai’s continued detention.
The agency also revealed that El-Rufai’s legal team had earlier challenged a previous remand order issued on February 19. However, that application was dismissed by the court on March 9, further affirming the legality of the detention.
The ICPC maintained that El-Rufai’s detention is fully backed by the law. It stated that all actions taken so far have been in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The ACJA provides guidelines for criminal investigations and ensures that law enforcement agencies follow due process when detaining suspects. It also allows courts to grant remand orders for suspects while investigations are ongoing.
According to the commission, it has strictly followed these procedures, including submitting regular updates to the court as required.
“The former governor remains in lawful custody under a subsisting court order,” the statement said.
The ICPC expressed concern over what it described as inaccurate reporting by some media platforms. It said such reports could mislead the public and create confusion about the true status of the case.
The agency emphasised that it did not go to court to seek any new extension of El-Rufai’s detention, but only to respond to the application filed by the former governor.
It urged journalists and the public to rely on verified information from official sources, rather than unconfirmed reports.
In its statement, the commission also restated its position on what it called “media trials.” It said it prefers legal matters to be handled in court rather than in the public space.
“The ICPC remains firm in upholding its longstanding policy of avoiding media trials,” the statement said. “We believe that legal disputes should be settled in the courtroom, not on newspaper pages and social media platforms.”
This position reflects a broader concern among law enforcement agencies about the impact of public opinion on ongoing investigations and court cases.
Nasir El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. During his time in office, he was known for his strong political views and reform-driven policies. However, like many public officials, his tenure has also come under scrutiny.
The current investigation by the ICPC involves allegations of financial misconduct, including money laundering and abuse of office. These are serious offences under Nigerian law and carry significant penalties if proven in court.
Anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, including the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have in recent years intensified efforts to investigate and prosecute cases involving public officials.
These efforts are part of a broader national campaign to tackle corruption, which has long been identified as a major challenge to Nigeria’s development.
With the case adjourned to March 31, attention will now turn to the next court session. On that date, the court is expected to hear arguments from both sides regarding El-Rufai’s application to overturn the remand order.
If the court rules in favour of the former governor, it could lead to his release from custody. However, if the application is denied, the ICPC may continue its investigation within the limits of the existing court order.
The case has attracted significant public attention, given El-Rufai’s political profile and the serious nature of the allegations. It also highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in public office.