El-Rufai’s Legal Team Blasts ICPC Over ‘Unlawful’ Detention, Demands Immediate Release
The legal team representing former Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of conduct that it described as an “absolute disgrace” to the legal profession.
In a formal letter addressed to the ICPC Chairman, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Ubong Akpan, alleged “dishonest and borderline criminal misuse” of the judicial system in relation to the continued detention of his client, which has reportedly exceeded 15 days.
According to the legal team, the ICPC obtained an initial 14-day remand order on February 19, 2026, through what Akpan termed “fraudulent representations,” but has yet to bring the former governor before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The counsel also accused the commission of “forum shopping” by approaching a Magistrate Court in Bwari for alleged money laundering offences, a matter Akpan insists falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
“What we have witnessed from the Commission over the past 15 days is nothing short of an absolute disgrace to the practice of law… that would shame any law enforcement agency in any civilised jurisdiction,” the letter stated.
Akpan further alleged that ICPC officers committed perjury by breaching undertakings made on oath to charge El-Rufai to court upon the conclusion of their investigation. Key allegations of misconduct include: the original remand order was reportedly never served on El-Rufai or his counsel, a violation of the right to a fair hearing, and attempts by the commission to renew a “void order” before a court lacking jurisdiction even after the initial remand expired on March 4, 2026.
The defence argues that holding the former governor without charge for over 15 days contravenes Section 35 of the Constitution, amounting to unlawful detention and a violation of his constitutional rights.
Akpan warned that “every hour El-Rufai remains in your custody is a separate and distinct tort of false imprisonment,” for which the ICPC Chairman could be held personally liable.
The legal team is demanding El-Rufai’s immediate release, a public apology published in three national newspapers, and N2 billion in damages. They also signalled their intent to escalate the matter to higher authorities.
“We shall be lodging a formal complaint with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee against every legal practitioner employed by the ICPC who participated in this disgraceful conduct,” the letter read.
Akpan further stated that the matter would be referred to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police for investigation and potential prosecution of officers who allegedly swore false affidavits.
