The family of Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, has demanded that Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) release him without delay, arguing that his continued detention has no legal backing.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Friday, the family insisted that the anti-corruption agency is holding the former Governor unlawfully. The statement was issued by Bello el-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency and the son of the former Governor.
According to the family, El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 18 before the ICPC obtained a remand order from a magistrate’s court the following day. They argued that the order was flawed from the beginning and only allowed the agency to detain him for a maximum of 14 days.
They stated that the period granted by the court has already expired, yet the commission has not filed any charges against him before a court with proper jurisdiction.
“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 further described the situation as an abuse of legal procedure, accusing the agency of keeping him in custody without justification.
“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.”
They also suggested that the investigation might be politically motivated and called on the commission to free him immediately.
“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 remained in ICPC custody since February 19 after he was earlier released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). On Thursday, the former Governor reportedly told investigators that the probe against him is “politically motivated.”
He also challenged the legality of a search carried out at his Abuja residence on February 19.
