The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports claiming it sought a fresh extension of detention for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, during court proceedings in Abuja on Monday.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, John Okor Odey, the Commission said it only appeared in court on March 17, 2026, for the hearing of an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6, which seeks to overturn the court’s earlier decision renewing his remand.
According to the ICPC, its legal team served El-Rufai’s counsel with a response to the application during the proceedings. The defence subsequently requested an adjournment to review the Commission’s submission, prompting the Magistrate to fix March 31, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
The anti-graft agency stressed that it did not apply for any new extension of detention, contrary to some media reports.
Providing a timeline of events, the Commission explained that the initial remand order granted it 14 days to detain and investigate El-Rufai over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. Following the expiration of that order, the court approved a 14-day extension on March 5, 2026, to enable the ICPC to conclude its investigation.
The Commission further disclosed that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the initial remand order issued on February 19, 2026, was dismissed by the court on March 9.
The ICPC maintained that El-Rufai remains in lawful custody based on the subsisting remand order of March 5, and that it is operating strictly within the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the Commission said it conducts its operations with professionalism and respect for the rule of law, while avoiding media trials.
It also urged the public to disregard unverified information and rely on official updates regarding the ongoing investigation.
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