The family of Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor has called for his immediate release, saying his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is unlawful.
In a statement on Friday signed by his son, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the house of representatives of Nigeria representing Kaduna North federal constituency, the family said the former governor is being held without any valid legal backing.
According to the statement, El-Rufai was taken into custody on February 18, after which the ICPC obtained a remand order from a magistrate court on February 19.
The family, however, described the order as defective, noting that it permitted only a 14-day detention period which has now expired without the anti-corruption agency filing charges against him before a competent court.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.
“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 said the continued detention amounts to “unlawful, brazen self-help”.
“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 statement added.“
The ICPC has failed in its fundamental obligation to either charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction or release him.”
The family alleged that the anti-corruption agency is being used as a tool for political persecution.
“The path forward is clear and logical: release him immediately,” the family said.
Recall that El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 after he was earlier released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while also insisting that the investigation against him is politically motivated.