The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has dismissed claims that it sought a new court order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the 17th of March, 2026, by its spokesperson, John Okor Odey, the commission said its appearance in court on Tuesday was solely to respond to a legal challenge filed by El-Rufai against the order renewing his remand.
The agency explained that the application, filed on the 6th of March, 2026, is aimed at overturning the remand order granted by the court on the 5th of March.
During proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel was served with the commission’s response and requested time to study the documents before replying.
“The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the Commission’s response.
Consequently, the Magistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr. El-Rufai’s team sufficient time to react to our response,” the statement said.
Providing a timeline of events, the commission noted that an initial court order granted investigators 14 days to probe allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against the former governor.
It added that a further 14-day extension was approved by the court on the 5th of March after the first order expired.
The commission also disclosed that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to nullify a remand order issued on the 19th of February, 2026, was rejected by the court on the 9th of March.
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“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026,” the commission stated.
The agency said it is acting in line with court directives, including submitting updates on the progress of its investigation, and reaffirmed its commitment to due process.
“The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added.
It also warned against the spread of unverified reports, urging the public to rely on official information from the commission.