In a statement issued by John Odey, the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communication, the commission clarified that its appearance in court on March 17, 2026, was solely in response to an application filed by El-Rufai, challenging an earlier remand order.
According to the ICPC, the former governor had, on March 6, approached the court seeking to overturn a remand order granted on March 5, which authorised his continued detention.
The anti-graft agency explained that during Tuesday’s proceedings, its legal response to the application was formally
served on El-Rufai’s counsel.“The defence team subsequently requested an adjournment to enable it to study and respond to the commission’s filing.
“The presiding magistrate granted the request, adjourning the matter to March 31, 2026”, it added.
The commission stressed that, contrary to media reports, it did not request any extension of El-Rufai’s detention during the sitting.
The ICPC disclosed that an initial remand order had authorised it to detain the former governor for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
“Upon the expiration of that order, the commission applied for an extension, which the court granted on March 5 to allow it conclude its investigation”, the statement read.
It further revealed that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the initial remand order issued on February 19 was dismissed by the court on March 9.
The commission maintained that El-Rufai remains in its lawful custody under the subsisting remand order and that it is strictly complying with all court directives, including the submission of periodic progress reports.
According to the agency, the detention was authorised in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
The ICPC emphasised its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law, noting that it does not engage in media trials.
