By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, has caved in to mounting pressure, with a declaration to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday March 24, 2026.
The Source reports that El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, who is facing inter-agency investigations on multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering diversion of public funds and security related Offences has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026, after being granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
But despite the expiry of a 14-day extended court remand order granted to the Commission by the Bwari Chief Magistrate court since March 19, the anti-graft Commission has continued to hold El-Rufai in custody.
Expectedly, the Commission had come under severe criticisms detention, without arraignment of the former Kaduna state Governor, with not a few questioning the motives behind the arrest.
Only on Sunday, Peter Obi the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, while condemning the continued detention of El-Rufai without trial, described the development as a classical case of political persecution.
Obi, a prominent figure of the ADC, and its presidential hopeful, while speaking at a stakeholders parley of ADC in Kaduna at the weekend, warned that ICPC’s prolonged detention of El-Rufai without trial greatly undermines the rule of law and due process.
“How can you invite someone who just returned from abroad ,and then begin to treat him like a fugitive?
” For me, what is playing out now is political persecution. We have a law and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail in the present circumstances” Obi stated.
A statement on Monday from John Odey, ICPC’s spokesperson, informed that the anti-corruption commission has filed formal charges bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property and money laundering, and diversion have been filed at a Federal High Court, Kaduna with arraignment scheduled for Tuesday March 24, 2026.
According to Odey, El-Rufai has also been slammed with another set of charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage ,at a Kaduna State High Court
“Both charges were filed by the ICPC on 18th March, 2026. The date of arrangement in the State High Court will be communicated as determined by the court.
“The ICPC wishes to inform the public that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been duly served. The ICPC restates its commitment to adhering fully to due process and rule of law at all times”, the statement noted.
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