MURIC to ICPC: Arraign El-Rufai Now or Release Him

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately arraign former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, or release him without further delay.

The group made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, and made available to journalists.

MURIC criticized what it described as the prolonged detention of the former governor, arguing that the law stipulates a maximum of 48 hours for holding a suspect in custody before being charged to court.

According to the statement, El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, February 16, 2026. Although he was released by the EFCC on Wednesday, February 18, he was reportedly taken into custody by the ICPC on the same day.

The group insisted that the continued detention of the former governor without arraignment contravenes established legal provisions.

“MURIC demands the immediate arraignment of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in a court of competent jurisdiction. The law prescribes 48 hours only as the maximum period an accused can be held in detention and within which he must be produced in court,” the statement read.

The organization also urged the Federal Government to uphold democratic principles, including adherence to the rule of law, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression, as guaranteed under Sections 41 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had yet to issue an official response to the allegations raised by the group.