Political Party and Legal Professionals Confront ICPC Over El-Rufai's Extended Detention
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside prominent legal practitioners has issued a stern rebuke to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding the prolonged detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. They have presented the anti-graft agency with two clear alternatives: either release El-Rufai immediately or formally charge him in a court of law.
Legal Basis for Detention Has Expired, Say Critics
According to the ADC and legal experts, the statutory authority permitting El-Rufai's detention has lapsed, with no subsequent court order obtained to justify his continued custody. El-Rufai has remained in ICPC detention since February 18, 2026, following his release on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This situation has sparked significant controversy and allegations of procedural overreach.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, has publicly demanded the former governor's unconditional release. Abdullahi emphasized that combating corruption through unlawful means constitutes a separate form of corruption itself. He stated, "The continued detention of Mallam El-Rufai is a brazen affront to the rule of law. Our Constitution does not allow any citizen to be held indefinitely. But this APC government doesn't care about the rule of law or decency."
Legal Experts Decry Procedural Violations
Legal professionals have echoed these concerns, highlighting fundamental breaches of due process. Barrister Abba Hikima argued that prolonged detention without formal charges is legally untenable. "The law is clear that you don't arrest someone and then start investigating. Investigation should come first before arrest and detention," Hikima asserted, underscoring the necessity for proper investigative protocols.
Furthermore, Barrister Yusuf Ali Faragai advised that if the ICPC requires additional time to complete its investigations, it must seek a fresh court order. This follows an earlier judicial directive granting the agency a two-week window to either charge or release the former governor, a deadline that appears to have been disregarded.
Political and Familial Dimensions Intensify
The detention has also taken on political dimensions, with analysts suggesting strategic motivations as the 2027 elections approach. Political analyst Omotayo Yusuf posited that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) might be managing El-Rufai's situation tactically. Concurrently, El-Rufai's family has voiced distress over his extended detainment.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a House of Representatives member and son of the former governor, the family alleged that the ICPC is holding El-Rufai unlawfully and without legal justification. The family's outcry adds a personal layer to the ongoing legal and political dispute, highlighting the human impact of the detention.
El-Rufai himself has initiated legal action, filing a multi-billion naira damages suit against what he claims is illegal detention. This legal challenge underscores the escalating conflict between the former governor and the anti-corruption agencies.
The ADC's Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, reinforced the party's stance, stating, "We expect the ICPC to abide by the law by releasing him since the court order that gave them the right to detain him had expired." This sentiment reflects a broader demand for accountability and adherence to constitutional safeguards in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts.
