ICPC Clarifies No New Detention Request for El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) stated on March 17, 2026, that it did not seek a fresh court order for the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. The clarification was made by John Odei, head of media and public communications at the ICPC, following inaccurate media reports.

El-Rufai's legal team filed an application on March 6, 2026, to overturn a remand order granted on March 5, 2026, which allowed the ICPC to detain him for 14 days as part of an investigation into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. The court had previously dismissed an attempt by El-Rufai's counsel to set aside a remand order issued on February 19, 2026.

The ICPC emphasized its commitment to adhering to legal timelines and avoiding media trials, urging the public to rely on official updates regarding the case.