The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a fresh court order to detain former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, for another 14 days.
The order, granted on Thursday in the presence of his lawyer, allows investigators more time to probe allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
The detention extension will expire on March 19, 2026.
However, el-Rufai’s legal team has returned to the Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, seeking to nullify the order.
Trial Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke has fixed March 17 to rule on whether the order should stand.
Legal Battle Over Detention
Court records confirmed that the order was properly renewed with el-Rufai represented.
The ruling stated, “The ICPC is hereby ordered to re-detain the Respondent (Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai) for additional 14 days to enable the commission conclude investigation activities.”
An ICPC source told another news platform, The Nation, that, “We cannot detain el-Rufai or any suspect without a valid court order. His legal team has been part of all our processes, but the narrative outside is that ICPC is oppressing him.”
Despite losing his earlier challenge, el-Rufai continues to contest the legality of the detention.
His lawyer, Ukpong Esop Akpan, argued that the Magistrate Court exceeded its jurisdiction.
He filed a motion citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Nigerian Constitution.
A supporting affidavit stated, “The Remand Order dated 19th February, 2026, made by this Honourable Court is fundamentally defective and ought to be set aside for nullity.”
The case has now set up a decisive ruling on March 17, which will determine whether the former governor remains in ICPC custody or is released pending further investigation.
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The real question here isn’t just about one man’s detention, it’s about whether Nigeria’s institutions can finally do what they’ve rarely done before, hold the powerful accountable without fear or favor. If el-Rufai is guilty, let the evidence speak. If he’s being targeted, let the courts protect him. Either way, March 17 will tell us more about our justice system than about one politician.
Nigeria government can politisize every thing just to satisfy their political ambition.
El-Rufai continues to contest the legality of the detention allegedly,despite loosing his earlier challenge.(politice is some how a dirty game of it own).