“This is the weaponisation of state institutions against political participation. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional,” stated a spokesman for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding the ongoing detention of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for over 30 days. His legal team requested an adjournment on March 17, 2026, to respond to the ICPC’s filing, but the ICPC clarified that it did not seek a fresh remand for him on that date.
The initial remand order for El-Rufai was granted for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. On March 5, 2026, the court extended this remand for another 14 days. However, El-Rufai’s legal team attempted to set aside the initial remand order on March 9, 2026, but their request was dismissed.
In a statement, the ADC described El-Rufai’s continued detention as illegal and unconstitutional, threatening to petition human rights groups if he is not released immediately. They argue that his detention is an attempt to coerce him into abandoning his political choices.
El-Rufai celebrated Eid-el-Kabir while in detention, highlighting the personal toll of this situation. The ICPC maintains that El-Rufai’s detention is legal under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, asserting that “the remand of Mr El-Rufai has been authorised by a court of law in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.”
As the situation unfolds, the ADC spokesman emphasized, “Freedom is not a privilege that is granted at the pleasure of the executive branch. It is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution.” They further stated, “The continued violation of the fundamental rights of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai is a stain on the conscience of our democracy.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential next steps in this case, but the political implications of El-Rufai’s detention continue to resonate within Nigeria’s political landscape.