The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the extension of the order to detain a former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai for another 14 days.
This is order was granted to enable the anti-graft agency enough time to conclude its investigation into allegations against the former governor, which has now widened.
The latest order, which was granted on Thursday in the presence of el-Rufai’s lawyer, will lapse on March 19th.
But el-Rufai’s counsel, whose application to quash the first remand order was dismissed by a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, has returned to the same court to nullify the latest order.
The trial Chief Magistrate, Okechukwu John Akweke has fixed March 17th to decide whether or not he should set aside the latest detention order.
The order of Chief Magistrate Akweke reads: “Upon hearing and listening to the prosecuting counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha Esq. praying this Honourable court for the following orders:
“An order of this Honourable Court issuing a remand warrant against the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) in favour of the Applicant i.e. Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to detain the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) in its custody for another fourteen (14) days pending conclusion of investigation activities on allegations of Money Laundering/abuse of office.
“And for such other or further order(s) as this Honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
“It is hereby ordered that: Application granted as prayed.
“That the Applicant i.e. the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ICPC is hereby ordered to re-detain the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) for additional 14 days to enable the commission conclude investigation activities.
“That the return date shall be 19th day of March 2026, for report of compliance.”
