A former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until March 19, 2026, pending possible arraignment or release on administrative bail.
The decision followed a court order allowing the anti-corruption agency to continue detaining the former governor while investigations into corruption allegations against him continue.
El-Rufai was arrested by the ICPC on February 18 after several petitions were filed against him at the commission.
His arrest came shortly after he was released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had earlier detained him on February 16 over similar corruption allegations.
The ICPC initially obtained a 14-day remand order on February 19, which expired on March 5. However, the commission returned to court to request another remand order, citing ongoing investigations.
A Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, presided over by Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke, approved the extension of the detention for another 14 days.
The application was presented by ICPC counsel Osuobeni Akponimisingha, who requested permission to continue holding the former governor while the investigation into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office is concluded.
The court granted the request and ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody to enable investigators complete their work.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services is also reportedly seeking his prosecution over allegations of illegally intercepting communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Authorities are expected to either file charges against the former governor or grant him administrative bail before the new remand period expires on March 19, 2026.
