The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved to dispel rumours regarding the ongoing detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, clarifying that it did not seek a “fresh extension” of his remand during court proceedings on Tuesday.
In a statement released March 17, 2026, seen by Securitynewsalert.com, the Commission addressed what it described as “inaccurate reports” by several media outlets. The ICPC clarified that today’s court appearance was actually centred on El-Rufai’s own legal attempt to regain his freedom.
The former Governor’s legal team appeared in court to argue an application filed on March 6, which seeks to overturn the current remand order issued on March 5. However, the hearing hit a procedural pause when the Commission served its formal response to the defence team.
“During today’s proceedings, counsel to Mr El-Rufai was served with our response to his application,” stated John Okor Odey, ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communication. “The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the Commission’s response.”
The presiding Magistrate has subsequently adjourned the hearing to March 31, 2026, to allow the defence team sufficient time to file their counter-arguments to the Commission’s findings.
The ICPC provided a detailed breakdown of the legal milestones surrounding the investigation into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. The initial 14-day remand order was granted on February 19, allowing the Commission to begin its probe. Upon the expiration of that window, the court acceded to a 14-day extension on March 5 to allow for the completion of the investigation.
While El-Rufai’s counsel attempted to set aside the original February remand order, that application was dismissed by the court on March 9. As it stands, the former Governor remains in “lawful custody” under the subsisting March 5 order, which the ICPC maintains is in strict accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The Commission insisted that the process is being handled with the highest professionalism and reaffirmed its stance against litigating high-profile cases in the court of public opinion.
“The ICPC remains firm in upholding its longstanding policy of avoiding media trials,” Odey said. “We believe that legal disputes should be settled in the courtroom, not on newspaper pages and social media platforms.”
The Commission’s leadership noted they remain “steadfast and undeterred” by the challenges of the current investigation and urged the public to rely solely on official updates rather than unverified information. #Securitynewsalert.com
