The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has released Nasir El-Rufai on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, sparking legal and public debate.
Sources confirmed that El-Rufai was allowed temporary freedom to attend the burial rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma, who died in Egypt on Friday while receiving medical treatment.
The former governor of Kaduna State had been in ICPC custody since February 19, shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Earlier, on March 18, the ICPC disclosed that it had obtained a valid court order to keep him in detention amid mounting calls for his release.
El-Rufai was arraigned on Tuesday before a federal high court in Kaduna alongside his former aide, Joel Adoga. Both men face charges of alleged money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office, to which they pleaded not guilty.
The court adjourned the hearing of his bail application to March 31.
However, the decision by the ICPC to release him has raised legal questions. Inibehe Effiong criticised the move, insisting that only the court has the authority to grant such release.
According to him, a detainee held under a court order cannot be freed without judicial approval. He called on the ICPC to clarify the legal basis for its action, noting that El-Rufai’s bail hearing is still pending.
The development has triggered fresh scrutiny over the handling of high-profile corruption cases and adherence to due process by anti-graft agencies.
