Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — Nigeria’s anti corruption agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has obtained a fresh court order allowing it to keep former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad el Rufai in custody for another 14 days while investigations into alleged financial misconduct continue.
The new detention order was granted by the Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, a district within Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The ruling was issued on Thursday and allows investigators additional time to conclude inquiries that have expanded beyond the initial allegations.
The former governor of Kaduna State, a northern state in Nigeria, is being investigated over allegations related to money laundering and abuse of office during his time in public service.
Court records seen by Okay News show that the latest detention order was issued in the presence of el Rufai’s legal representative. The court approved the request after hearing arguments from the prosecution, which sought more time to complete ongoing investigative activities.
Chief Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke, who presides over the Bwari Magistrate Court, ruled that the anti corruption agency could continue to hold the former governor for an additional two weeks.
The order stated: “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.”
The ruling means the detention extension will run until Thursday, March 19, 2026, when the court expects a compliance report from investigators.
The latest development comes after el Rufai’s legal team earlier attempted to challenge the initial detention order. His lawyer had filed an application asking the same court to set aside the earlier remand order, but that request was dismissed.
Despite that setback, the former governor’s legal team has returned to court again to contest the latest extension of his detention. The court has scheduled Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to decide whether the new order should be nullified.
Officials familiar with the investigation say the agency followed due legal procedures in obtaining the detention order. One source within the commission insisted the investigation was being handled within the law.
“With a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as the commission’s chairman, we cannot detain el-Rufai or any suspect without a valid court other.
“El-Rufai’s legal team has been part of all our legal processes. But the narration out there is that ICPC is oppressing him. The first remand order was challenged by his lawyer, the case was dismissed. The second remand order is an issue before the court which will rule on March 17th. They feed the public with false instead of being forthcoming on what transpired in court.
“The ICPC Chairman has no vested interest and he is not being used. We have an outstanding petition against el-Rufai and equity demands that we hear from him.”
Meanwhile, el Rufai’s lawyer, Ukpong Esop Akpan, has argued that the magistrate court lacked the authority to issue the detention order.
The legal challenge filed on behalf of the former governor relies on several provisions of Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a 20 paragraph affidavit submitted to the court, a deponent identified as Mohammed Salihu Shaba stated that the earlier detention order should be nullified.
“That I have the authority and consent of the Respondent/Applicant to depose to this affidavit in support of the Motion.
“That the Remand Order dated 19th February, 2026, made by this Honourable Court (a Certified True Copy of which is attached hereto and marked as Exhibit “A”) is fundamentally defective and ought to be set aside for nullity.”
The legal dispute is expected to continue as the court considers arguments from both sides. The outcome of the March 17 ruling may determine whether the anti corruption agency can continue holding the former governor as investigations proceed.
