A Magistrate Court in Abuja has scheduled Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to deliver its ruling on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s application for an additional 14-day detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Presiding Magistrate Okechukwu Akweke fixed the date after hearing arguments from both sides. The decision will determine whether the anti-graft agency can continue holding El-Rufai or if the request should be dismissed.
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, following allegations of money laundering and abuse of office during his tenure as governor. The commission also accused him of illegally intercepting communications linked to the National Security Adviser.
The ICPC first secured a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, on February 19, 2026. That initial period expired on March 5, 2026.
After the expiry, El-Rufai’s legal team, family, and supporters described his continued detention as unlawful, insisting the ICPC must either charge him in court or release him immediately. They argued that no valid legal basis existed for holding him beyond the original remand period.
El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the FCT High Court, challenging the detention and naming the ICPC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), and Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
The ICPC has defended its actions, stating it obtained a valid and renewable remand order to facilitate ongoing investigations.
Recent reports indicate the commission successfully obtained a fresh 14-day extension earlier this month, set to run until March 19, 2026, though El-Rufai’s lawyers are contesting this renewal.
The Tuesday ruling is expected to clarify the legality of the extended detention amid growing public debate over the case. El-Rufai’s team maintains the process violates his constitutional rights, while the ICPC insists it is necessary to conclude probes before any potential formal charges.(Tgnews)
