Court Grants ICPC 14-Day Extension to Detain El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a new court order to detain a former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, for an additional 14 days. The fresh remand warrant was granted to allow the anti-graft agency sufficient time to conclude its investigation into the allegations against the former governor, which have since widened.

The latest court order, granted in the presence of el-Rufai’s lawyer, is valid until March 19th. This development follows the dismissal of an application by the former governor’s counsel to quash the initial remand order, which was rejected by a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari.

El-Rufai’s legal team has now returned to the same court in an effort to nullify the most recent detention order. The trial Chief Magistrate, Okechukwu John Akweke, has scheduled a hearing for March 17th to determine whether or not to set aside the extended detention period.

During the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, presented a prayer to the court seeking specific orders. The request was for a remand warrant that would authorize the ICPC to detain the respondent for another fourteen days to finalize investigation activities.

The investigations are focused on allegations of Money Laundering and abuse of office against the former governor. The prosecuting counsel also requested any further orders that the Honourable court might deem fit to make in the circumstances.

After hearing the application, Chief Magistrate Akwekhue ruled definitively on the matter, stating: “It is hereby ordered that: Application granted as prayed.” This ruling ensures the ICPC can maintain custody of el-Rufai pending the conclusion of their investigation.