Lawyer Demands Release of El-Rufai from ICPC Custody

Barr Ubong Esop Akpan, the counsel for Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has called for the immediate release of his client from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Akpan accused the ICPC of pursuing a politically motivated vendetta against El-Rufai, linking him to allegations of multi-billion naira properties in Egypt based on anonymous leaks.

He stated that the claims are baseless and lack verifiable evidence. El-Rufai was reportedly transferred to ICPC custody on February 18, 2026, after voluntarily reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026.

Akpan emphasized that El-Rufai's detention has exceeded 20 days, contravening Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates arraignment within a reasonable time. He also indicated that the ICPC's remand order issued on February 19, 2026, lacks jurisdiction as the alleged offenses expire on March 4, 2026.

Akpan plans to initiate a criminal complaint against officials involved in the matter.