ICPC Clarifies El-Rufai's Detention Status Amid Reports

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) issued a statement on March 17, 2026, clarifying that it is not seeking a fresh detention order for former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. The clarification was made by ICPC spokesperson John Odei in Abuja, addressing inaccurate media reports.

El-Rufai's legal team filed an application on March 6, 2026, to overturn a court order that renewed his remand on March 5, 2026. The ICPC confirmed that it is adhering to court mandates regarding the remand, which allows for a 14-day detention for investigations into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

The initial remand order was granted on February 19, 2026, and the court dismissed El-Rufai's attempt to set aside the remand order on March 9, 2026. A hearing for El-Rufai's application is scheduled for March 31, 2026.