A month after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody, he has not yet been arraigned in court. The delay comes despite allegations of financial impropriety dating to his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
El-Rufai was first detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for two nights, then transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS), and finally to the ICPC. On February 16, he voluntarily reported to the EFCC, which granted him bail. However, the DSS and ICPC later detained him again, allegedly without proper legal authority.
The ICPC, citing multiple injunctions filed by El-Rufai challenging his detention, says it cannot proceed with arraignment until all court orders are vacated. In a statement, ICPC spokesman John Odey maintained that the former governor remains in lawful custody under a court-authorised remand order obtained on March 5, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Kaduna recently quashed a High Court verdict that dismissed El-Rufai’s right to challenge the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s indictment of him for alleged corruption. The appellate court ordered that his fundamental rights enforcement suit be remitted to another Federal High Court judge for fresh hearing.
Legal experts have expressed concern over the prolonged detention. Barrister Abba Hikima noted, “Investigations should precede arrests. It is unfortunate that a suspect can be held for this length of time without being charged in a constitutional democracy.” Similarly, Barrister Yusuf Ali Faragai stressed that suspects must be brought before a court within a short timeframe unless a valid detention order exists.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to hear El-Rufai’s fundamental rights enforcement suit on March 25, 2026. He is seeking N1 billion in damages from the ICPC for what his lawyers describe as unlawful detention and violation of due process.
Barristers Salman Jawondo (SAN), Chibueze Maduka, and others have highlighted that while investigating agencies may extend remand orders, continuous detention without court authorization is unlawful and undermines constitutional guarantees.
Prominent Nigerians, including civil society leaders, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure El-Rufai is arraigned in accordance with judicial processes, emphasizing the need to respect the rule of law.
