Why El-Rufai Was Released From ICPC Detention – Source

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday released former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother.

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Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed to The Cable that the former governor was granted temporary release to enable him to participate in the burial rites of his late mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai died in Egypt on Friday after a period of illness. She had reportedly been receiving medical treatment in the North African country.

According to sources, the ICPC approved El-Rufai’s release to allow him attend the funeral rites.

The former governor had been in custody since February 19 after he was taken over by the ICPC shortly after being released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Earlier in the week, El-Rufai was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside his former aide, Joel Adoga.

They are facing charges bordering on alleged money laundering, fraud and abuse of office.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing of El-Rufai’s bail application to March 31.

Reacting to the development, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong questioned the legality of the temporary release, noting that a detainee remanded by a court cannot be freed without the court’s approval.

“A person who is remanded by an order of a court cannot be released legally without recourse to the court,” Effiong wrote on 𝕏.

He called on the anti-graft agency to explain the procedure used in granting the release.

“ICPC, can you clarify the procedure adopted in this case? El-Rufai’s motion for bail is slated for Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

“How was his release processed? Is this another government magic that the legendary Fela sang about?” he asked.