El-Rufai's Lawyer Denies Egypt Property Allegations

Ubong Esop Akpan, the lawyer representing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations concerning his client's ownership of properties in Egypt as baseless and stemming from an anonymous leak. In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Akpan accused the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) of conducting a smear campaign aimed at discrediting El-Rufai and undermining his public support.

El-Rufai has been in custody since February 18, 2026, following actions taken by the DSS related to alleged economic and financial crimes. Akpan noted that El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC on February 16 and was granted administrative bail.

He argued that the detention of El-Rufai for over 20 days without formal charges violates Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates that suspects be arraigned within a reasonable time. Akpan also questioned the validity of a 14-day remand order issued by a magistrate court on February 19, asserting that the court lacked jurisdiction as the order expired on March 4.

El-Rufai's legal team is reportedly preparing a criminal complaint against the ICPC chairman for alleged involvement in the matter.