A Magistrate Court in Abuja has scheduled Tuesday, March 17, to deliver its ruling on a fresh application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) seeking an additional 14-day detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The presiding magistrate, Okechukwu Akweke, set the date last week to determine whether the court will approve or reject the commission’s request.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations of money laundering and the illegal interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The anti-corruption agency had earlier obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, on February 19, 2026, which expired on March 5, 2026.
After the order lapsed, El-Rufai’s lawyers, relatives, and supporters criticised his continued detention, describing it as unlawful. They argued that since the remand order had expired and no new order was secured, the commission should either release him or formally charge him before a competent court.
In response, El-Rufai filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, challenging what he termed his prolonged and unlawful detention. The suit names the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the ICPC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
However, the ICPC has denied violating his fundamental rights, insisting that it obtained a valid 14-day remand order, which it maintains can be renewed pending the completion of its investigation.
Post A Comment: