ICPC Told To Arraign Or Free El-Rufai

 

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Usman Austin, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to either formally charge former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to court or release him without further delay.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Austin faulted what he described as prolonged detention without clear legal direction, urging the anti-graft agency to adhere strictly to due process.

He cited the recent approach of the Department of State Services (DSS), which he noted had opted to seek judicial intervention in handling similar matters rather than resorting to extended detention.

“The decision of the DSS to approach a court of law rather than resort to arbitrary detention is both civil and democratic. The proper way to resolve such issues is to allow the court to decide through merit-based arguments from both the prosecution and the defence,” Austin stated.

The ADC chieftain maintained that if there are credible allegations against El-Rufai, such matters should be ventilated in court in line with established legal procedures.

He also recalled that the former governor had earlier honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing him as cooperative with investigative authorities.

Austin, however, expressed concern over what he termed ambiguity surrounding the circumstances of El-Rufai’s continued custody.

“The EFCC is yet to clarify whether Mallam El-Rufai was officially handed over to the ICPC or re-arrested after being granted administrative bail. This uncertainty undermines the rule of law,” he said.

He stressed that international best practices demand the protection of the rights of individuals until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

“Arresting a citizen before concluding investigations amounts to a violation of the right to fair hearing. Anti-corruption agencies must avoid actions that could be perceived as tools of oppression if Nigeria’s democracy is to be strengthened.

“If there is a case against El-Rufai, let it be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction. If not, he should be released immediately,” Austin added.

It will be recalled that El-Rufai was on Wednesday taken into custody by ICPC operatives shortly after he was released by the EFCC.

Sources at the EFCC confirmed that the former governor, who had arrived at the commission’s Abuja headquarters around 10 a.m. on Monday for questioning, was released on Wednesday before being taken into custody by the ICPC.

Confirming the development, the ICPC, in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, disclosed that El-Rufai remains in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation as of the close of work on February 18, 2026.