The family of Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria, has publicly declared that his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is unlawful and demands his immediate release. They assert that the legal basis for his detention, a 14-day remand order obtained by the ICPC from a magistrate’s court on February 19, has expired, and no new order or charges have been filed against him. The family's statement, shared by his son Mohammed El-Rufai, emphasizes that the commission has not taken any legal action against El-Rufai since his initial detention.

As of March 6, 2026, El-Rufai has been in custody for 18 days without facing any charges in a court deemed competent to hear the case. The family's assertive statement underscores their belief that the current circumstances surrounding his detention lack legal justification, further highlighting their frustration with the actions of federal agencies. They maintain that there is no valid legal instrument that allows the ICPC to continue holding him, which raises concerns about the rule of law and due process in Nigeria.

This situation reflects broader issues within Nigeria's judicial and political system, particularly the treatment of individuals involved in corruption cases. The case of Nasir El-Rufai may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future and signals to observers the need for proper legal procedures to be followed to avoid abuse of power by government agencies. The family's demands for accountability and adherence to legal standards could resonate widely given the ongoing debates about governance and justice in Nigeria.