El-Rufai’s Family Demands Immediate Release, Says ICPC Detention Illegal

The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has demanded his immediate and unconditional release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing his continued detention as unlawful and lacking any legal basis.

In a statement issued on Friday, the family said the former governor has remained in custody despite the expiration of a remand order that initially authorized his detention.

The statement, signed by his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, accused the anti-corruption agency of failing to either charge the former governor before a competent court or release him as required by law.

According to the family, El-Rufai was first taken into custody by the ICPC on February 18, 2026, following which the commission obtained a remand order from a magistrate court on February 19 to keep him in detention.

However, they argued that the remand order was defective and legally permitted detention for only 14 days, a period they said has now expired without any fresh legal authorization.

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

They maintained that the anti-corruption agency has neither filed formal charges against him before a competent court nor secured a renewed or extended court order to justify his continued detention.

“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 and brazen self-help,” the statement added.

The family further accused the commission of failing in its legal obligation to either prosecute the former governor or release him.
“The path forward is clear and logical: release him immediately,” the family said, warning that continued detention without a valid court order undermines the rule of law.
They also alleged that the situation suggests the ICPC is being used as a tool for political persecution rather than functioning as an impartial institution of justice.
“Our husband and father has been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to face any charges against him in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the family stated.

While expressing concern over the development, the family reiterated its call for the immediate release of the former governor.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Nasir El-Rufai,” the statement concluded.