Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, may mark Eid-il-Fitri while still in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as his detention has been extended until March 19, 2026, a date that could coincide with the festival.
The exact day for the Eid celebration is yet to be confirmed, with the festival expected to fall on March 19 or 20, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
The Federal Government is also expected to declare both days as public holidays, following the annual practice of recognising Eid nationwide.
These developments could delay El-Rufai’s release from ICPC custody, as the commission may also observe the public holidays if they are officially declared.
El-Rufai’s extended detention follows a court ruling allowing the ICPC to retain him while completing an investigation into alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office during his tenure as governor.
He was arrested by the ICPC on February 18, shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had taken him into custody on February 16 over similar allegations. The ICPC initially obtained a 14-day remand order, which expired on March 5, 2026.
Reports suggest that the former governor’s alleged refusal to fully cooperate with investigators during the initial remand may have prompted the request for an extension, which now runs until March 19. By that date, the commission is expected to conclude its inquiry and either file formal charges or grant administrative bail.
Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke of a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, had on March 5 renewed the earlier remand order of February 19, approving El-Rufai’s detention for another 14 days pending the completion of investigations.
The extension followed an application by ICPC’s lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, who requested “An order of this Honourable Court issuing a remand warrant against the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) in favour of the Applicant i.e. Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to detain the Respondent … for another fourteen (14) days pending conclusion of investigation activities on allegations of Money Laundering/abuse of office.”
In a brief ruling, the Magistrate granted the request saying “The Applicant i.e. the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ICPC is hereby ordered to re-detain the Respondent (NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI) for additional 14 days to enable the commission conclude investigation activities.”
Further proceedings are expected on March 19, when investigators are likely to update the court on the status of their probe and indicate whether formal charges will be filed.
