El-Rufai’s Family Demands Immediate Release, Alleges Unlawful Detention by ICPC

March 7, 2026

The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called for his immediate release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing his continued detention as unlawful, Prime Business Africa reports.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, March 6, 2026, and signed by his eldest son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family said the former governor remains in ICPC custody despite what it described as the expiration of the legal basis for his detention.

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According to the statement, El-Rufai was first taken into custody by the anti-corruption agency on February 18, 2026. The ICPC subsequently obtained a remand order from a magistrate court on February 19, which the family argued was defective and permitted only a 14-day detention period.

 

The family said the 14-day period had now elapsed, noting that the commission had neither charged the former governor before a competent court nor secured a fresh order authorising his continued detention.

 

They further alleged that the ICPC’s decision to keep him in custody after the expiration of the remand order amounts to unlawful detention and a violation of due process.

 

“The ICPC has failed in its fundamental obligation to either charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction or release him,” the statement said.

READ ALSO : ADC Demands Fair Play in Malami, El-Rufai Cases, Warns Against Politically Driven Justice

The Many Woes of El-Rufai

The family therefore demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of the former governor, alleging that the anti-corruption agency was being used for political persecution rather than acting as an impartial institution of justice.

 

Nasir El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, had earlier honoured an invitation from investigators on February 16, 2026, when he appeared at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja. Two days later, he was transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which has since been handling the investigation.

 

His detention has attracted public attention and political reactions, with supporters describing the move as politically motivated while anti-corruption advocates say the investigation should proceed in accordance with the law.

Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had not immediately responded to the family’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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