The detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has entered 17 days as legal challenges surrounding the case continue.
El-Rufai voluntarily visited the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026.
However, officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission later took him into custody on February 18.
His media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, provided the latest update on the case on March 4.
Meanwhile, the El-Rufai family has rejected claims that investigators recovered wiretapping equipment from his residence.
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The ICPC earlier said such equipment was found during a search conducted on February 19.
However, the family described the claims as false.
El-Rufai’s lawyers said they plan to file a legal action against the commission for alleged defamation.
The ICPC disclosed that it is holding the former governor on a 14-day remand warrant obtained on February 19.
According to the commission, the warrant is expected to expire on March 5.
The agency also said it plans to formally charge El-Rufai before or on that date.
However, his lawyers are challenging the legality of the remand order.
The legal team has also filed a case challenging the search conducted at his residence.
The matter came before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on March 3.
However, the court adjourned the case to March 11 to allow all parties to be served.
El-Rufai’s lawyers argue that the search warrant lacked sufficient legal details.
They also claim it contained drafting errors and broad execution parameters.
Additionally, the legal team says the search violated his fundamental rights.
They are asking the court to prevent the use of items recovered during the search in any future trial.
Meanwhile, another legal case filed by El-Rufai challenges his detention.
The case names the Federal Government, ICPC, EFCC, and the Department of State Services as respondents.
Justice Hussaini Belgore initially handled the matter at the FCT High Court.
However, he later transmitted the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The judge said he would be proceeding on leave.
Separately, the planned arraignment of El-Rufai by the DSS did not take place on February 25.
Prosecutors told the court they could not produce him for the hearing.
They requested a two-week adjournment to do so.
However, his lawyers argued that such delay was unnecessary since he remained in government custody.
Justice Abdulmalik later adjourned the case to April 23, 2026.
The court is yet to hear pending motions seeking to quash the charges and grant bail.
