By DAYO ADESULU
The El-Rufai detention controversy took a dramatic turn on Monday as lawyers representing former Kaduna State governor, , accused Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency of orchestrating a political smear campaign against their client.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja on March 9, counsel to the former governor alleged that the (ICPC) had resorted to circulating anonymous allegations linking El-Rufai to luxury properties in Egypt in order to justify what they described as his “unlawful detention.”
The legal team said the claims about multi-billion-naira villas and apartments abroad lacked credible evidence and relied on unidentified sources.
According to the statement signed by lawyer Ubong Esop Akpan, the allegations represent a calculated attempt to damage the reputation of the former governor while prolonging his detention.
Counsel Rejects Allegations of Egyptian Properties
At the centre of the El-Rufai detention controversy is a report suggesting that investigators traced expensive properties in Egypt to the former Kaduna governor.
However, his legal team dismissed the report as fabricated.
They argued that the allegations were not part of any formal investigation but rather “anonymous leaks” designed to shape public opinion.
The lawyers further accused the anti-graft agency of abandoning its constitutional mandate and turning itself into an instrument of political persecution.
According to the statement, the ICPC’s conduct reflects “a desperate smear campaign designed to justify the continued detention of a citizen who has not been charged with any offence.”
Timeline of Arrest and Detention
The lawyers also provided details of the events leading to the current El-Rufai detention controversy.
They said the former governor voluntarily reported to the (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, in response to an inquiry and was granted administrative bail.
However, on the night of February 18, operatives allegedly acting under the authority of the (DSS) transferred him from EFCC custody to the ICPC.
His lawyers described the transfer as unlawful.
Since then, they claim the ICPC has continued to hold him without formally charging him in court.
As of March 9, the legal team said the detention had exceeded 20 days.
They argued that such confinement violates Section 35 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty and requires suspects to be arraigned within a reasonable time.
Dispute Over Remand Order
Another major issue in the El-Rufai detention controversy concerns a remand order obtained by investigators.
According to the lawyers, a magistrate court issued a 14-day remand order on February 19.
However, they argued that the order expired on March 4 and was never served on the former governor or his legal team.
The counsel further claimed the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction over the alleged offences, making the order invalid from the start.
They insisted that the continued detention of their client therefore amounts to illegal confinement.
Allegations of Political Pressure
The legal team also accused officials of attempting to pressure El-Rufai to withdraw from political activities.
They claimed investigators threatened to prolong his detention unless he abandoned his constitutional rights to political participation.
In the statement, the lawyers said the actions of the anti-corruption agency could amount to criminal offences such as wrongful confinement and abuse of power under Nigeria’s Penal Code.
They further alleged that some associates of the former governor had faced intimidation.
One such case involved an associate who was allegedly detained after refusing to provide statements implicating El-Rufai.
Demand for Court Trial or Immediate Release
Amid the escalating El-Rufai detention controversy, the legal team said their client had repeatedly challenged investigators to charge him in court if evidence existed.
They said the former governor made that demand both publicly and in writing since February 16.
According to the lawyers, the absence of formal charges shows that authorities lack a credible case.
Consequently, they called for his immediate release or arraignment before a competent court.
They also revealed that criminal complaint proceedings had been initiated against officials they believe are responsible for the detention.
The statement specifically mentioned the ICPC leadership and the DSS director-general among those named in the complaint.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Rule of Law
Observers say the El-Rufai detention controversy could trigger wider debate about the conduct of anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria.
While anti-graft agencies have increasingly pursued high-profile cases in recent years, critics often raise concerns about due process and prolonged detentions.
Legal experts warn that the credibility of anti-corruption institutions depends heavily on transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law.
As the dispute continues, pressure is likely to mount on authorities to clarify the allegations and the legal basis for El-Rufai’s detention.
For now, the former governor remains in custody while the accusations and counter-accusations continue to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape.
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