The controversy surrounding the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai detention has continued to generate debate after his family called for his immediate and unconditional release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor has reportedly remained in the custody of the anti-corruption agency despite what his relatives claim is the expiration of a remand order that previously allowed investigators to hold him.
According to the family, the detention now lacks a valid legal basis.
In a statement released on Friday, the family argued that the continued custody of the former governor raises serious concerns about due process and respect for the rule of law.
They maintained that the legal permission initially granted to the ICPC to keep him in detention has already expired.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the family, he criticized the anti-corruption agency for allegedly failing to either file formal charges against his father or release him after the detention order elapsed.
According to details shared by the family, the El-Rufai detention began on February 18, 2026, when the ICPC invited and subsequently took the former governor into custody as part of an ongoing investigation.
The following day, February 19, the commission reportedly obtained a remand order from a magistrate court that allowed it to hold him temporarily while its investigation continued.
However, the family insists that the court authorization only permitted detention for 14 days.
They argued that once the period expired, the agency was required by law to either obtain a new court order extending the detention or formally arraign him before a competent court.
“As of March 6, 2026, Nasir El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody under circumstances that no longer have any legal support,” the statement said, emphasizing the family’s concern about the situation.
The relatives of the former governor also argued that the detention undermines constitutional safeguards that protect individuals from prolonged detention without trial.
They insisted that law enforcement agencies must follow established legal procedures, particularly when dealing with public officials or politically sensitive cases.
In their view, the ICPC has two clear options available under Nigerian law: either file charges before a court that has jurisdiction over the matter or release the suspect pending further investigation.
“Continuing to hold him without valid legal authority amounts to a violation of his rights and an abuse of the legal process,” the family said.
They further alleged that the ongoing detention could create the impression that the anti-corruption agency is being influenced by political interests rather than operating independently as required by law.
According to them, institutions tasked with enforcing anti-corruption laws must remain impartial in order to maintain public confidence.
The statement stressed that the former governor is prepared to address any allegations through proper legal channels.
According to the family, he has consistently expressed willingness to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction if charges are filed against him.
“Our husband and father has been waiting for the opportunity to respond to any accusations through a transparent legal process,” the family said, adding that they believe a court hearing would provide the appropriate platform to clarify the issues under investigation.
Observers say the detention case could become another important test of the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and the protection of individual rights within Nigeria’s justice system.
While anti-graft agencies are expected to pursue investigations vigorously, legal experts often stress that such efforts must remain within the boundaries of the law.
The family’s statement also warned that prolonged detention without a fresh court order could weaken public trust in the legal system.
They argued that the credibility of institutions depends largely on their willingness to adhere to established procedures and constitutional safeguards.
For this reason, they reiterated their demand that the ICPC release the former governor immediately if no new legal authorization has been obtained.
“We therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Nasir El-Rufai,” the statement concluded.
Ireport247news
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