A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja, presided over by Mr. Okechukwu John Akweke, has granted the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) permission to detain former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, for an additional 14 days.
The order was issued to allow the anti-corruption agency more time to complete its ongoing investigation into the matter.
The trial has been scheduled for March 17th to decide whether he should set aside the latest detention order.
The court ordered, “Upon hearing and listening to the prosecuting counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha Esq., praying this Honourable court for the following orders:
“An order of this Honourable Court issuing a remand warrant against the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) in favour of the Applicant i.e. Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to detain the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) in its custody for another fourteen (14) days pending conclusion of investigation activities on allegations of Money Laundering/abuse of office.
“And for such other or further order(s) as this Honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
“It is hereby ordered that: Application granted as prayed
“That the Applicant i.e. the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ICPC is hereby ordered to re-detain the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) for additional 14 days to enable the commission conclude investigation activities.
“That the return date shall be the 19th day of March 2026, for the report of compliance.”