The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports claiming it sought a fresh court order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement issued Tuesday night by its Head of Media and Public Communication, John Okor Odey, the Commission clarified that its appearance in court on March 17, 2026, was not to request an extension of El-Rufai’s detention, but to respond to a legal application filed by the former governor.
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai had filed an application on March 6, 2026, seeking to overturn a court order granted on March 5, which renewed his remand in custody. The Commission stated that during Tuesday’s proceedings, its legal team served El-Rufai’s counsel with a response to the application.
“The Commission appeared in court for the hearing of Mallam El-Rufai’s application, not to seek a fresh extension of his detention,” the statement read.
The anti-corruption agency further disclosed that El-Rufai’s counsel requested an adjournment to enable them respond to the Commission’s submission. The presiding Magistrate subsequently adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026.
Amid growing public scrutiny over the case, the ICPC also provided a timeline of the court-authorised detention. It explained that the initial remand order granted the Commission 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. Upon expiration, the court approved an additional 14-day extension on March 5, 2026.
The Commission also revealed that a previous attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the initial remand order issued on February 19, 2026, was dismissed by the court on March 9, 2026.
“Mallam El-Rufai remains in lawful custody under the remand order dated March 5, 2026,” the ICPC stated, adding that it is adhering strictly to the court-approved timeline, including the submission of progress reports.
Reaffirming its stance against media sensationalism, the Commission stressed its commitment to due process and cautioned against the spread of unverified information.
“We believe legal disputes should be resolved in the courtroom, not in the media,” the statement added, urging the public to rely on official updates.
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