El-Rufai's Team Accuses ICPC of Unlawful Detention

Nasir El-Rufai's legal team has condemned the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for what they describe as the unlawful detention of the former governor, which reportedly exceeds 15 days. In a formal letter addressed to the ICPC chairman, El-Rufai's lead counsel, Akpan, accused the commission of dishonest practices and misusing the judicial system.

The ICPC had obtained an initial 14-day remand order on February 19, 2026, related to alleged fraud, but Akpan argued that the matter falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He stated that holding El-Rufai without charges contravenes Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution, amounting to unlawful detention.

The legal team demands El-Rufai's immediate release, a public apology published in three national newspapers, and has indicated plans to file a formal complaint against ICPC officials for alleged misconduct, including perjury related to a false affidavit.