By Achile Danjuma
A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has authorized the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to extend the detention of a former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, by an additional 14 days.
The order, issued on Wednesday by Chief Magistrate Okechukwu Akweke, permits the anti-graft agency to hold the former governor while it completes its investigation into fresh allegations of corruption.
Mr. El-Rufai, who also previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was represented by his legal team during the court proceedings. The ICPC had sought the remand warrant to allow for an uninterrupted probe into accusations against him, which include money laundering and abuse of office.
In his ruling, Magistrate Akweke stated that he had considered the application from the prosecuting counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha. The application requested continued custody of the suspect to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
“Upon hearing the prosecuting counsel… this Honourable Court hereby grants an order issuing a remand warrant against the respondent, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, in favour of the applicant, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission,” the magistrate ruled.
He directed that Mr. El-Rufai remain in the commission’s custody “for another fourteen (14) days pending the conclusion of investigation activities.”
The court has scheduled March 19, 2026, as the return date, when the ICPC is expected to provide a report on its compliance with the court’s order and the progress of its investigation.