Why Nasir El-Rufai Was Freed From ICPC Custody — Source Speaks Out

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has granted temporary release to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. According to Ireporter Online, sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed that the decision was made to allow the former governor participate in the burial rites of his late mother.

It was gathered that Hajiya Umma El-Rufai passed away in Egypt on Friday after a period of illness, having reportedly been undergoing medical treatment in the North African country. Insiders revealed that the commission approved the temporary release to enable El-Rufai attend the funeral.

El-Rufai has been in custody since February 19 after being taken over by the ICPC shortly following his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Earlier in the week, he was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside his former aide, Joel Adoga, over allegations bordering on money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office.

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

Reacting to the development, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong raised concerns over the legality of the temporary release, arguing that a detainee remanded by a court cannot be freed without proper judicial approval. He called on the anti-graft agency to clarify the procedure adopted in granting the release, questioning whether due legal process was followed.