Family of Nasir El-Rufai has demanded his immediate and unconditional release from custody, alleging that his continued detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has no legal backing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 6, 2026, the family said the former Kaduna State governor remains in ICPC custody despite the expiration of the legal authority that initially permitted his detention.
According to the statement signed by his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, the anti-corruption agency has failed to charge him before a competent court or secure a new court order to justify his continued detention.
The family maintained that the circumstances surrounding the former governor’s detention violate established legal procedures.
“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 read.
Providing a timeline of events, the family said El-Rufai was first taken into ICPC custody on February 18, 2026.
“Mallam @elrufai was taken into ICPC custody on February 18, 2026,” the statement said.
They further explained that a remand order was obtained by the anti-corruption agency a day later, but insisted the order had a limited duration.
“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,” the family said.
*‘Authority Has Expired’*
According to the family, that legal window has now lapsed without further judicial authorization.
“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 statement added.
The family described the continued detention as unlawful and accused the anti-graft agency of ignoring due process.
“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.”
Allegation of Political Persecution
The family also suggested that the situation raises concerns about political interference.
“The path forward is clear and logical: release him immediately. 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.”
They concluded the statement with a firm demand for his freedom.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Nasir El-Rufai.”
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not issued an official response to the family’s claims.