The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has demanded his immediate release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing his continued detention as unlawful.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on Friday and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker said he had initially stayed away from social media during Ramadan but decided to speak out to update the public on the situation surrounding his father’s detention.
“In the name of Allah, the most Beneficient, the most Mericful, I had tried to stay off social media to focus on Ramadan, my family and my work on behalf of the excellent people of Kaduna North. But I have chosen to break my silence to provide an update for those interested in the current situation of Mallam’s illegal detainment. The last time I saw him, he was eagerly awaiting his charge in a competent court of law.”
The family, in the statement titled “Statement from the Family of Nasir El-Rufai on His Unlawful Detention,” said the former governor remained in custody without any valid legal backing.
“March 6, 2026 – The family of Nasir El-Rufai wishes to address the public on the unlawful and ongoing detention of our husband and father by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“As of today, March 6, 2026, Nasir El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody under circumstances that have no basis in law. We state categorically that there is currently no valid legal instrument authorizing his detention.”
According to the family, El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 18, 2026.
“To be clear: Initial Detention: Mallam El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 18, 2026.
“Defective Order: Following his detention, the ICPC obtained a remand order from a magistrate court on February 19. However, this order was defective from the outset and, by law, provided only a 14-day window for his detention.
“Expired Authority: That 14-day period has now ended. The ICPC has not charged him with any offense in a competent court. Neither have they secured a fresh or extended lawful order to continue detaining him.”
The family further alleged that the commission had failed to either charge the former governor in court or release him after the expiration of the remand order.
“Despite the expiration of any legal cover for his detention, the ICPC persists in holding him. This is no longer a matter of lawful procedure; it is unlawful, brazen self-help. The ICPC has failed in its fundamental obligation to either charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction or release him.
“The path forward is clear and logical: release him immediately. Their refusal to do so confirms what we have long feared—that the ICPC is being wielded as a tool for political persecution rather than operating as an impartial institution of justice.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Nasir El-Rufai.”
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