The family of Nasir El-Rufai has publicly demanded his immediate release, alleging that his continued detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has no legal basis.
In a statement issued on March 6, 2026, the family said the former governor remains in ICPC custody despite the expiration of the legal authority used to initially detain him.
The statement, signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, described the detention as “unlawful” and accused the anti-graft agency of failing to follow due legal process.
According to the family, El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 18, 2026. The ICPC subsequently obtained a remand order from a magistrate court on February 19. However, the family argued that the order was defective and legally allowed only a 14-day detention period.
They said that period has now elapsed without the ICPC filing charges against him in a competent court or securing a fresh order authorizing his continued detention.
“Despite the expiration of any legal cover for his detention, the ICPC persists in holding him,” the statement read. “This is no longer a matter of lawful procedure; it is unlawful, brazen self-help.”
The family further alleged that the commission has failed in its obligation to either formally charge El-Rufai or release him, adding that the continued detention raises concerns about political persecution.
They called on authorities to release the former Kaduna State governor immediately and unconditionally.
The ICPC has yet to issue an official response to the family’s claims as of the time of filing this report.
