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Tag: Icpc

  • Former Kaduna Governor Alleges ICPC Political Pressure Before Release

    Former Kaduna Governor Alleges ICPC Political Pressure Before Release

    Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of attempting to force him to abandon politics as a condition for his release from detention. The allegation is contained in a 30-page criminal complaint filed in court, directly naming ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu and four other officials. El-Rufai claims ICPC operatives told him that his freedom hinged on his willingness to disengage from political activities.

    The former governor’s suit, filed as a fundamental rights enforcement case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, outlines that ICPC officers repeatedly warned him that continued political involvement would keep him detained. Count Six of the suit accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence punishable under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code. El-Rufai is demanding a probe into what he describes as an abuse of power and infringement of his constitutional right to participate in politics.

    The case, filed on February 20, 2026, also challenges the invasion and search of El-Rufai’s Abuja residence on February 19. He alleged that the operation, conducted by ICPC operatives and police officers, violated his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy under Sections 34–37 of the Nigerian Constitution. The suit seeks a declaration that any evidence seized during the search is inadmissible and an order for the immediate return of all items taken.

    El-Rufai is seeking N1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages from the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate Court, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Justice. His lawyers have filed responses to counter-affidavits from the ICPC but are yet to respond to those from the police. The court has directed that notices be served on respondents not represented in court.

    The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the matter until March 25, 2026, to allow parties to regularize their processes. As of now, the ICPC has not issued any official response to El-Rufai’s allegations. The case remains closely watched, given its implications for political rights and the conduct of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.

  • Legal Expert Backs El-Rufai’s Detention Under ACJA

    Legal Expert Backs El-Rufai’s Detention Under ACJA

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adamson has clarified that the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is lawful under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015. Speaking on ARISE News on Monday, Adamson noted that the ACJA permits suspects to be detained for an initial 14 days, with court-approved extensions of 14 days at a time, without the need for public disclosure.

    Adamson explained that Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty but allows for lawful derogation under specified conditions. He emphasized that the ACJA, particularly Sections 293 and 296, enables law enforcement agencies to apply to a court for a remand order. The first remand lasts 14 days, with the possibility of two additional 14-day extensions, giving a maximum detention period of 42 days before a suspect may seek bail.

    He further clarified that if ICPC completes its investigation within the initial 14 days, the suspect can be prosecuted or released. If not, the agency can seek further court-approved extensions, explaining its reasons only to the court and not to the public. Adamson stressed that this legal framework ensures investigations are conducted properly while protecting the rights of suspects.

    Addressing concerns about selective justice, the SAN underscored that the law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of status. He stated that accusations of political bias do not override legal procedures and that anyone who breaks the law must face legal consequences.

    Finally, Adamson highlighted that suspects who are detained illegally have the right to approach the courts for redress. He reinforced that the law balances law enforcement powers with constitutional safeguards, ensuring both accountability and protection of individual liberties during investigations.

  • ICPC Investigation Reveals El-Rufai’s Luxury Properties in Egypt

    ICPC Investigation Reveals El-Rufai’s Luxury Properties in Egypt

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly uncovered several luxury real estate assets in Egypt linked to former Nasir El-Rufai, as investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State deepen. According to TheCable, investigators traced at least six high-value properties in Cairo, including three luxury villas and multiple apartments in upscale districts.

    The villas are reportedly located in Arabella Estate and Banafsik Estate in New Cairo, where similar properties are estimated to cost between $1 million and $1.3 million each. Additional apartments allegedly linked to the former governor were also traced to Cairo Festival City, with units valued at about $500,000 each. Sources said the properties were acquired between 2021 and 2023 while El-Rufai was serving his second term as governor.

    The discovery has renewed scrutiny of El-Rufai’s previous public claims that he owned only one house in Kaduna. In a 2023 interview, the former governor said his only property was located on Danja Street in Unguwan Sarki, insisting he neither built a mansion nor acquired other homes during his time in office.

    El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is currently being investigated by the ICPC over alleged financial improprieties during his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023. Reports indicate he has been in the custody of the anti-corruption agency since February 18, while investigators also searched his Abuja residence and reportedly found wire-tapping equipment.

    The probe follows earlier findings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which in 2024 accused the former governor of diverting about N423 billion in public funds and urged anti-graft agencies to investigate. However, El-Rufai’s legal team has condemned his continued detention, accusing the ICPC of abusing legal procedures and demanding his immediate release alongside N2 billion in damages.

  • Anti-Corruption Agency Seizes Alleged Spy Device at El-Rufai’s Home

    Anti-Corruption Agency Seizes Alleged Spy Device at El-Rufai’s Home

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered suspected wiretapping equipment from the Abuja residence of former Nasir El-Rufai. The devices are alleged to have the capability to intercept private conversations and access sensitive security documents.

    The recovery took place during a search conducted in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and son, Mohammed Bello. The ICPC said the former governor refused to cooperate with investigators, remaining silent until formally arraigned in court, while one of his aides linked to the probe reportedly fled the country.

    The agency revealed the details in filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where El-Rufai is challenging what he claims is unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental human rights. The ICPC said it obtained a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, to hold the former governor while investigations continue, with the order set to expire on Thursday.

    Dismissing claims of arbitrary detention and political repression, the commission urged the High Court to reject El-Rufai’s application. It stressed that the detention and investigation are part of its mandate to probe alleged corrupt practices.

    The ICPC also accused El-Rufai of multiple corruption-related irregularities, including the disappearance of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious payments totaling over N2.1 billion from Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue account, and transfers of more than N428 million to undisclosed accounts, among other alleged financial misconduct.

  • El-Rufai Detained for Eight Days, Lawyers Fault ICPC Over Bail Silence

    El-Rufai Detained for Eight Days, Lawyers Fault ICPC Over Bail Silence

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been held in detention for eight days without a remand order, his legal team has revealed. Lawyers say the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has not responded to a formal bail application, despite the 48-hour legal limit for holding a person without charge having expired.

    El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16th February 2026 following an invitation, and was held in EFCC custody until 18th February before being transferred to ICPC. His lawyers claim the transfer occurred without explanation or documentation, including any formal remand order, and describe the detention as “unlawful.”

    The former governor is involved in multiple legal matters this week. On 25th February, the FCT High Court is scheduled to hear his fundamental rights suit against the Federal Government, ICPC, EFCC, and DSS, seeking bail. On the same date, he is slated for arraignment on charges filed by the DSS, which have drawn widespread public attention.

    El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive was searched by ICPC officials on 19th February, prompting him to file a Federal High Court suit challenging the warrant. The suit alleges the warrant was defective, overbroad, ambiguous, and lacked probable cause, and seeks an injunction against the use of items seized during the search in any proceeding.

    During detention, family members reportedly faced difficulties delivering meals, and El-Rufai experienced a nasal bleeding episode. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the handling as a violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights, while ICPC has continued interrogations without granting bail or providing formal explanations for the ongoing detention.

  • ICPC Searches El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence Amid Ongoing Probe

    ICPC Searches El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence Amid Ongoing Probe

    ABUJA — Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday searched the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as part of an ongoing investigation into his administration’s handling of state finances.

    The development was disclosed by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, in a post on his verified X handle, confirming that the ex-governor’s Aso Drive residence was searched by ICPC operatives.

    The search comes as El-Rufai remains in the custody of the anti-graft agency in Abuja over an investigation linked to Kaduna State’s finances during his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.

    Reacting to the operation, his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, described the move as unlawful and a violation of due legal procedures and fundamental rights. He did not immediately state whether the legal team would challenge the action in court or confirm if any items were taken from the property.

    The development marks a fresh turn in the growing multi-agency scrutiny of El-Rufai’s administration, with both the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly engaging the former governor over alleged financial improprieties.

    Efforts to obtain an official response from the ICPC on the reported search were unsuccessful as of press time.

  • FCCPC Sets January 2026 Deadline For Digital Lenders’ Full Compliance

    FCCPC Sets January 2026 Deadline For Digital Lenders’ Full Compliance

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has set January 5, 2026, as the deadline for all digital lending platforms and intermediaries in Nigeria to fully comply with its new consumer lending regulations.

    The directive, announced on Thursday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, is part of the Federal Government’s effort to curb unethical practices in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital lending sector.

    The new regulations, which took effect on July 21, 2025, under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability across the lending ecosystem.

    To aid implementation, the Commission has also released the Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. The guidelines, issued under Sections 17 and 163 of the FCCPA, provide practical direction for operators, outline documentation requirements, and include updated Forms 1 and 3 developed from stakeholder feedback.

    According to the statement, applicants with pending submissions may supplement their applications with any additional information required under the new guidelines without waiting for formal notification. The FCCPC assured stakeholders that it would continue to process applications transparently and efficiently.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, emphasized the importance of meeting the compliance deadline. “Full compliance is not only a legal requirement but a crucial step in protecting consumers and ensuring that the sector grows fairly and responsibly. Operators have had ample time to adjust to the new regulations, and we expect all obligations to be met before the deadline,” he said.

    The Commission warned that enforcement actions would begin immediately after January 5, 2026. Sanctions may include operational restrictions, suspension of non-compliant entities, and possible prosecution under the FCCPA.

    Nigeria’s digital lending market has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by mobile technology and demand for quick-access loans. However, the sector has been marred by consumer abuse, data breaches, and aggressive debt recovery methods by unlicensed operators, commonly known as “loan sharks.”

    In response, the FCCPC, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, NITDA, and ICPC, launched a joint task force in 2022 to sanitize the sector. This led to an interim registration framework and the eventual introduction of the 2025 Regulations and Guidelines.

    As of November 2025, 438 digital lending companies have received full approval from the Commission — a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to regulate Nigeria’s online lending industry.

  • ICPC arraigns ex-JAMB’s Ojerinde, 4 children over alleged fraud

    ICPC arraigns ex-JAMB’s Ojerinde, 4 children over alleged fraud

    Dibu Ojerinde

    The Federal Government is to arraign Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on seven-count charge bordering on money laundering at a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Ojerinde is being arraigned alongside his four children; Mary Funmilola, Olumide Abiodun, Adedayo and Oluwaseun Adeniyi, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

    ROYAL NEWS reports that Ojerinde and his companies are currently facing a money laundering charge to the tune of N5 billion before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

    He was accused to have diverted public funds while he served as National Examinations Council and NAMB registrar.

    However, in this fresh charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/119/23, the ex-JAMB boss and his four children were included.

    Also joined in the charge are all his companies which include: Doyin Ogbohi Petroleum Ltd, Cheng Marbles Ltd, Sapati International Schools Ltd, Trillium Learnings Centre Ltd and Standout Institutes Ltd.

    Ojerinde and the ten defendants’ were yet to take a plea as at the time of filing the reports.

  • President Buhari Swears-In 7 Board Members Of ICPC

    President Buhari Swears-In 7 Board Members Of ICPC

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sworn in 7 Board Members of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and presides over the Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Statehouse, Abuja. 15th March, 2023.

    The swearing-in took place on Wednesday shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    This is the first council meeting since the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The reappointed ICPC Board members sworn-in by the President include Retired Justice Adamu Bello (Katsina), Hannatu Mohammed (Jigawa), Olubukola Balogun (Lagos), Obiora Samuel Igwedibia (Anambra), Abdullahi Saidu (Niger), Yahaya Umar Dauda (Nasarawa).

  • ICPC: D’banj breaks silence after release

    ICPC: D’banj breaks silence after release

    Music star, Oladapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj, has broken his silence after his release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

    The singer was detained over allegations of fraud associated with the N-Power programme.

    D’banj took to his Instagram account a few hours after he was released on Friday and denied any fraudulent dealings and that he was released based on self recognition.

    He said, “Global thank you to the world. I was invited on an ongoing investigation in ICPC. I have assisted the commission with all I know and I am confident in their capacity to unravel the truth. I have no business with fraud, all I do is chop life. I was released on self-recognition because nothing was seen or found on me. God bless you all my people.”