MURIC Issues Stern Warning to ICPC Over Extended Detention of Former Governor El-Rufai
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a strong condemnation and warning to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The organization is demanding either his immediate release or prompt arraignment before a competent court of law.
Voluntary Reporting Leads to Extended Custody
El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 16th February 2026. Although the EFCC granted him bail on Wednesday, 18th February, he was immediately taken into custody by the ICPC on the same day and has remained detained since that time.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, expressed serious concerns about what appears to be a deliberate attempt to keep the former governor in detention indefinitely. He emphasized that the law clearly prescribes a maximum of 48 hours for an accused person to be produced in court following arrest.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns Raised
Media aide Muyiwa Adekeye has raised significant welfare concerns regarding El-Rufai's detention conditions. According to Adekeye, the ICPC has denied the former governor bail and restricted his access to family members. He reported that El-Rufai suffered nosebleeding while in custody and was not permitted direct contact with his wife when she attempted to deliver food to him.
The legal team representing El-Rufai has reportedly applied for bail, but the ICPC has not responded to their application. This continued detention has generated growing concern among both legal representatives and family members of the former governor.
Court Proceedings Delayed
The Department of State Services (DSS), which filed criminal charges against El-Rufai concerning allegations of tapping the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, failed to arraign him in court on Wednesday, 25th February. The DSS cited ongoing ICPC investigations as justification for adjourning the case until 23rd April 2026.
Professor Akintola criticized this development, stating: "A man who is in detention cannot be blamed for 'absence in court' because he does not control his movement. There appears to be a deliberate attempt to keep El-Rufai in detention ad infinitum."
MURIC's Constitutional Arguments
The Muslim Rights Concern has called on the federal government to respect fundamental democratic norms, particularly the constitutional rights to freedom of movement and free speech as enshrined in Sections 41 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Professor Akintola emphasized: "Global best practices attest to the fact that a man is believed to be innocent until otherwise proven guilty. Interestingly, the law does not arrogate the power to declare citizens guilty to the security agencies. That power belongs incontestibly to the law courts."
Political Context and Implications
The organization highlighted what it perceives as a concerning pattern, noting that former Sokoto governor Waziri Tambuwal, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami SAN, and now El-Rufai—all members of the political opposition—have faced similar legal challenges.
Professor Akintola concluded with a firm ultimatum: "We therefore call for the release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or his arraignment in court. Nigeria cannot afford to put unpleasant political optics on the ground at a time when the world is focusing on it. It is time to arraign El-Rufai or set him free."
The situation continues to develop as pressure mounts on the ICPC to either formally charge the former governor or release him from custody in accordance with Nigerian law and constitutional protections.
