EL-RUFAI'S FAMILY DEMANDS HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SAYS ICPC DETENTION IS UNLAWFUL

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BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR

The family of Nasir el-Rufai, who used to be the governor of Kaduna state, has asked for his immediate and full release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, known as ICPC.

On Friday, they said that keeping el-Rufai in detention by the ICPC does not have any legal reason. The statement was signed by Bello el-Rufai, the former governor’s son and a member of the house of representatives representing Kaduna north federal constituency.

The family said el-Rufai was first arrested on February 18. They added that the ICPC later got a remand order from a magistrate‘s court on February 19.

The family called the remand order “defective,” explaining that it only allowed a 14-day detention period.

They mentioned that the detention order has now ended, and the ICPC hasn’t filed charges against the former governor in a proper court.

“As of today, March 6, 2026, Nasir El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody under circumstances that have no basis in law. We state categorically that there is currently no valid legal instrument authorizing his detention,” the statement reads.

“Following his detention, the ICPC obtained a remand order from a magistrate court on February 19. However, this order was defective from the outset and, by law, provided only a 14-day window for his detention.

“That 14-day period has now ended. The ICPC has not charged him with any offense in a competent court. Neither have they secured a fresh or extended lawful order to continue detaining him.”

The family said the continued detention amounts to “unlawful, brazen self-help”.

“Despite the expiration of any legal cover for his detention, the ICPC persists in holding him. This is no longer a matter of lawful procedure; it is unlawful, brazen self-help,” the statement added.

“The ICPC has failed in its fundamental obligation to either charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction or release him.”

The family alleged that the anti-corruption agency is being used as a tool for political persecution.

“The path forward is clear and logical: release him immediately,” the family said.

“Their refusal to do so confirms what we have long feared—that the ICPC is being wielded as a tool for political persecution rather than operating as an impartial institution of justice.”

El-Rufai has been in the care of the ICPC since February 19 after he was let go by the EFCC.

On Thursday, the former governor of Kaduna told the ICPC that his case is “politically motivated.”

El-Rufai also questioned whether the search of his home in Abuja on February 19 was done properly.