The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has provided clarification regarding the legal status of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stating that his detention remains lawful and is based on an existing court order rather than any new directive.
This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, who explained that the agency appeared in court on Tuesday to address an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6, seeking to overturn a remand order earlier granted on March 5.
Odey noted that the court proceedings did not produce any fresh order for detention. Instead, the matter was adjourned to March 31 after El-Rufai’s legal representatives requested additional time to respond to submissions made by the commission.
He emphasised that the original remand order had authorised the ICPC to detain and investigate the former governor for 14 days over allegations relating to money laundering and abuse of office. “Following the expiration of that order, the Commission applied for an extension, which was approved by the court on March 5,” Odey said.
The spokesperson further disclosed that a prior effort by El-Rufai’s legal team to nullify a remand order issued on February 9 was dismissed by the court on March 9.
Reaffirming the commission’s stance, Odey maintained that El-Rufai remains in lawful custody under a valid court order, adding that all actions taken by the ICPC comply fully with legal provisions, including the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
”The commission also reiterates its commitment to due process and warns against the spread of misinformation; legal matters should be resolved in court rather than through public speculation.
”The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law.
”We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the commission,” he added.
