The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of unlawfully detaining him beyond the period permitted by law.

 

In a statement released on March 6, 2026, the family said El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody despite the absence of a valid legal instrument authorising his continued detention.

 

According to the statement, the former governor was initially taken into custody on February 18, 2026.

 

The family explained that the anti-corruption agency later obtained a remand order from a magistrate court on February 19 but described the order as defective from the outset, noting that it only allowed for a 14-day detention period.

 

They argued that the 14-day period has now expired without the ICPC filing any formal charges against him in a competent court or securing a fresh or extended detention order.

 

“As of today, March 6, 2026, Nasir El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody under circumstances that have no basis in law,” the statement read.

 

The statement was signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives and son of the former governor, on behalf of the family.

 

The ICPC has yet to issue an official response to the family’s claims at the time of filing this report.