The ICPC Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr John Odey, who said this while addressing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, maitained that The commission insists that El Rufai remained in custody for failing to meet bail conditions.

Odey also refuted claims that the commission was disobeying any court order.

He maintained that continued detention of the former governor was not politically motivated but strictly a matter of law and compliance with bail conditions.

Our correspondent recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna had on April 14, granted El-Rufai a N200 million bail and two sureties in like sum.

The former governor is facing a 10-count amended charge bordering on alleged corruption and money laundering filed by the ICPC.

The court also directed that one of the sureties must be a resident in Kaduna State with a property worth 200 million and a verified CofO.

According to the court, the second surety must be a well-respected elder, certified by the elders council.

The court further ordered that he should remain in the custody of the commission pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.

Odey said that the former governor could not however, meet the bail conditions set by the court, hence he still remained in the ICPC’s custody.

“He is in the custody of ICPC as remanded by a court of competent jurisdiction and he is doing very well, he is fine and he is in good health,” Odey said.

Our correspondent reports that this is coming as the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, also granted him bail in the sum of N100m over charges bordering on alleged breach of national security.

The Monday bail ruling followed his arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS) on an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged breach of national security.

When asked if El-Rufai would be released based on bail granted by the court on Monday, Odey said: “That is for the judicial process to determine

“For us, if he meets the bail conditions given to him in our matter, we have no reason to keep him further.”

He maintained that the anti-graft agency was not a political party and could not be keeping the former governor for political reasons.

He insisted that his custody was strictly a matter of law and compliance with bail conditions set by the court, noting that the commission’s operations were strictly within the confines of the law.

He said the agency’s actions were guided strictly by law and judicial directives, not political considerations, adding that El-Rufai’s continued custody was solely based on his failure to perfect his bail.

“The ICPC is not a political party. The ICPC does not play politics. It does not exist to play politics. The law establishing the ICPC is very clear.

“So, suggestions that the commission is targeting El-Rufai for political reasons are unfounded and misleading, ” he said.

He also refuted the claim that the commission had ignored a court order for his release, adding that such claims were inaccurate and misleading.

Odey said: “The commission fully respects judicial authority and would comply once all legal requirements are satisfied.

“The court granted him bail and he is yet to meet his bail conditions. If he meets his bail conditions today, I can assure you that the ICPC will let him go.”

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This is contained in a statement by the EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Friday in Abuja.

Olukoyede gave the charge while addressing Chief Executive Officers, (CEOs) of Fintech companies at an industry engagement meeting held at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

The EFCC boss lauded the corporate executives on their strides in opening global financial space and visual asset platforms for the country through measurable inclusion and innovation.

He, however, cautioned them against fraudsters who were exploiting the same space to perpetrate criminal activities.

“The opportunities you have created have also given the criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes and over the years.

”We discovered that there is a need for us to meet from time to time even in the interest of your business.

”We will also tell you things we are privy to in respect of your operations and services that we think criminals are actually exploiting, and we will tell you how to block those spaces and strengthen the regulatory regime around the business you do,” he said.

He called for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and the fintech companies for a sound working relationship and intelligence sharing.

He enjoined the business executives to jealously guard the integrity and reputation of their businesses, stressing that only good reputation grows businesses.

“It has taken some of you years to get to where you are and I tell you, one transaction mishandled can destroy what you have built for 10 years.

”You must be conscious of your reputation, that is the most valuable thing you need to grow in a business, not even the money.

”Once a reputation is damaged, you can hardly get it back. We want to collaborate and work with you. That is one of the ways to fulfil our own mandate,” he added.

Olukoyede also urged business players in the country to always work in synergy with others to strengthen the regulatory regime and build strength against threats to the economy like insecurity.

He urged the fintech companies to firm up their networks against terrorism financing by complying with extant regulations regarding suspicious transaction reporting.

“We have been complaining about insecurity in Nigeria, of course we are also vested with the power to investigate terrorism financing and one of the areas we have seen that these people exploit is your space, we think it is high time we did something about that.

”People pay ransom and we discover that most times they collect the ransom through the POS, so what can we do to tidy up this loose end, is either by doing your KYC or coming up with other ideas?,” he said.

Discussions were held on a wide-range of operational and regulatory issues, all geared towards sanitising the working environment of fintech companies and building sterling strength against compromises and fraudulent engagements.

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the warning in Abuja, at a two-day conference on “Contextualising Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa”.

The conference jointly organised by BEACON Security and Intelligence Limited and Whiteink Institute for Strategic Education and Research (WISER), aims to promote professionalism and inclusivity in security operations.

It is also supported by UK International Development, SPRING; and the Institute for Peace and conflict resolution (IPCR).

Idris represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Dr Dili Ezughah, noted that words used in describing security threats and affected communities could carry weight and consequences.

According to him, definitions and labels used in security operations, media reporting, and public discourse can influence how communities are seen and treated, and can either also build trust or deepen divisions.

He cited Nigeria’s experience, with hundreds of ethnic groups and multiple religious traditions, as an example of how managing diversity required fairness and discipline in policy and communication.

The minister emphasised that security was not only about force and enforcement, but also trust, adding that citizens must be seen as partners in efforts to address security challenges.

He noted that Nigeria was currently facing complex security challenges, including terrorism and organised crime, and was strengthening its security architecture to address these threats.

He called for accuracy in language, accountability for actions, and distinguishing between criminal behavior and identity with a view to preventing profiling entire communities.

Idris also stressed the critical role of the media in promoting responsible reporting and verified information, as well as the need for regional cooperation to address shared security challenges.

Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in his address of welcome noted that the way security issues were defined, described, and communicated could either strengthen cohesion or deepen distrust among communities.

“The words we use in describing security threats and affected communities can carry weight and consequences.

“Responsible terminology is therefore an operational necessity that directly impacts trust and legitimacy,” Laka said.

He emphasised that sustainable security could not be achieved through kinetic measures alone, but required prevention, trust-building, and responsible communication.

Laka reaffirmed the NCTC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promoted professionalism, inclusivity, and responsible communication in security.

Also speaking, the Director-General, IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, called for adequate investment and capacity building for local actors to address the issue of conflict and violence in the country.

“We must build the capacity of our local actors, because conflict is local, violence is local, so also peace is local, and the people are central to it. We must not disconnect the people,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen, Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen.Umaru Yusuf, urged productive deliberations and insightful discussions that would shape more effective strategies for conflict resolution, peace building, and security enhancement.

He encouraged participants to leverage the platform to forge partnerships and drive initiatives that would make lasting impacts in addressing stereotyping and ethnic profiling in discourses and security operations.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery represented by Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead for Splendid Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG), pledged the support of the commission to peace building in Nigeria

“As part of this overall long-standing support, the UK government has, in partnership with the government of Nigeria, designed the SPRING, to work with Nigerian institutions and actors to promote efforts at non-violent resolution of conflicts, as well as to enhance adaptation and resilience to the pressures of climate change.

“The SPRING programme is an evidence-based programme on what research has found to be the issues that drive violence and undermine resilience in Nigeria,” he said.

The President and Founder of WISER, retired Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala, warned that the use of labels and terminologies in describing crimes and ethnic groups could fuel conflict and breed stereotypes.

“When you slap labels that are stereotyping and profiling, you’re only dealing with the symptoms, rather than the origin of the issue,” Bala said.

He emphasised the need for understanding the historical and anthropological contexts of names and labels.

He stressed that elites had a responsibility to sensitise themselves to the harm caused by using lazy, sweeping names and terminologies, and to promote responsible communication.

He said that the conference would help promote awareness among elites on the dangers of using language that could fuel stereotypes and conflict, with the goal of building a more harmonious society.

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This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Mohammed Doka, Special Assistant on Media, to the former minister.

Malami described the action of the anti-graft agency as condemnable and a disregard to the rule of law.

”This is nothing short of a flagrant disregard to the rule of law, a gross abuse of power, and a dangerous precedent in a constitutional democracy.

”It represents a calculated attempt to harass, intimidate, and embarrass me, evidently on account of my political affiliations,” he said.

According to him, EFCC officials, in the company of heavily armed security personnel, forcefully invaded and took over residences and offices linked to me.

He said that the residences were also marked without presenting any valid or subsisting court order authorising such actions.

He added that two people were taken into forceful custody in the course of the said invasion.

The former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice said that the incident occurred minutes after a solidarity visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to his residence.

He said that in view of this, the development raises serious concerns about the intent, timing, and political undertones of the operation.

He noted that the case instituted against him by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026), remained ongoing.

”The Honourable Court has not made any final determination on the issues in dispute, and no order authorising the invasion and marking of the premises was argued and granted,” he said.

He also said that the interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC had elapsed.

”The ex parte order granted on Jan. 6, was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days, which had already elapsed.

”That order has since lapsed and cannot, under any stretch of the law, justify the EFCC’s actions today,” Malami said.

He said that at the time of the invasion, EFCC operatives were requested to produce a lawful court order authorising their actions, but they could not.

”They failed, refused, and/or neglected to present any such order, underscoring the illegality of their conduct,” he said.

He said the EFCC proceeded in a show of force, to unlawfully occupy, mark, and assert control over his houses and offices in clear violation of due process and established legal procedures.

Meanwhile the EFCC says its decision to mark a property in Abuja linked to the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, followed a valid interim forfeiture order issued by a court.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesperson, said this against the backdrop of a viral video in circulation accusing the anti-graft agency of illegally marking the former AGF’s property in Abuja.

According to him, the step is in line with standard law enforcement procedures and aimed at notifying the public of the property’s legal status.

”There is nothing illegal in the matter. The attachment or marking of property that is on a forfeiture order is a normal law enforcement action when the court has granted an interim forfeiture.”

He explained that such markings were carried out to alert the public that the property was under forfeiture.

Oyewale also dismissed claims that the commission carried out a raid on the property, insisting that officers were only enforcing a court directive.

”The commission did not raid the property. We are not involved in any such act; so there is nothing illegal about what we have done,” he added.

In the video that circulated online, Malami was seen questioning the EFCC operatives and demanding proof of the court order authorising the action.

He argued that the order presented did not specifically mention his property and maintained that the matter remained before the court.

Also an EFCC official in the footage was heard insisting that once a property was under forfeiture, the commission has the authority to mark it.

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The ICPC Spokesperson, John Odey, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, El-Rufa’i will be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga in a case marked FHC/KD/73/2026.

He said that the charges filed against them included alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

Odey said that the anti-graft agency had also filed a separate case before the Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufa’i and Amadu Sule (LEDA).

“The case, with charge number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, borders on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

“Both cases were filed on March 18, 2026. While the Federal High Court arraignment is scheduled for March 24, the date for the State High Court proceedings will be communicated in due course.

“The ICPC confirmed that El-Rufa’i has been duly served with the charges.”

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to due process and adherence to the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption-related offences.

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The commission explained in a statement by its Spokesperson, Okor Odey, on Tuesday in Abuja that his continued detention was based on an existing court order and not a new directive.

Odey said that the commission appeared in court on Tuesday for the hearing of an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6, seeking to overturn a remand order earlier granted on March 5.

According to him, proceedings in court did not result in any fresh detention order.

Instead, he said, the court adjourned the matter to March 31, after El-Rufai’s legal team requested time to respond to the commission’s submission.

Odey emphasised that the initial remand order had granted the ICPC 14 days to detain and investigate the former governor over allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office.

”Following the expiration of that order, the Commission applied for an extension, which was approved by the court on March 5,” Odey said.

He explained that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the remand order issued on Feb.19, was dismissed on March 9.

While reaffirming the position of the commission, Odey stated that El-Rufai remains in lawful custody under a valid court order.

He added that all actions taken so far were in strict compliance with the law, including the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

”The commission also reiterates its commitment to due process and warns against the spread of misinformation; legal matters should be resolved in court rather than through public speculation.

”The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

”We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the commission,” he added.

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Our correspondent reports that El-Rufai was held in EFCC’s custody for two nights, from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, over corruption allegations levelled against him.

A source close to the commission told our correspondent that the former governor was still under investigation by the commission, hence he could not be charged to court yet.

The source said the commission would not rush to court over the allegation described as grievous, but would want to do a thorough and professional job on it before being charged to court.

“We are still investigating the former governor, we are yet to conclude our investigations, before he was released on bail last Wednesday.

“Though he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), immediately we released him. We will still continue with our investigations after he is done with the ICPC.

“We will then charge him to court after the completion of our investigations of various allegations levelled against him,” the source said.

The former governor was initially held by the EFCC from Monday Feb. 16, when he honoured its invitation, until the night of Wednesday, Feb.18.
He was released on Wednesday night by the commission on administrative bail but later taken into custody by the ICPC.

One of his aides, Muyiwa Adekeye, had said in a statement that his principal as of Tuesday had spent nine days in the custody of the two anti-graft agencies.

Adekeye said that as of Monday, El-Rufai’s lawyers had not received any response from the ICPC, where he is currently being held, to an application for bail submitted on his behalf.

He added that the commission had also not shown them any remand order authorising his continued detention, in spite of what he described as the expiration of the 48-hour constitutional window for holding a person without charge.

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The former governor’s Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the development in a post on his X handle.

Adekeye stated that ICPC officials visited the residence earlier in the day.

”UPDATE: The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today (Thursday) searched by the ICPC,” he wrote.

Our correspondent reports that the action may be connected with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s administration.

The search followed heightened scrutiny of his tenure while he has been in ICPC custody since Wednesday night.

He was taken into custody by ICPC operatives after his release on administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Our correspondent reports that the EFCC had earlier detained the former governor on Monday after he honoured the commission’s invitation.

Reacting, one of his lawyers, Ubong Akpan,described the operation as unlawful and a violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.

ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, had earlier confirmed that the former governor was being questioned by investigators, adding that inquiries were ongoing, but gave no further details.

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The EFCC Spokesperson, Mr Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He explained that Olukoyede made the call when the management team of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), led by its Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Bello, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EFCC on Wednesday in Abuja.

”All of us are key players in the anti-corruption fight.

”Everybody will agree with us that one of the major problems that is behind poverty, hunger, malnutrition, lack of infrastructure and generally lack of development in Nigeria is the issue of financial crimes and corruption.

”If we can make up our mind, work together as a team and ensure that we confront it frontally, we’ll probably take Nigeria out of this mess.

”We can complement each other. There’s no doubting the fact that we need to collaborate and synergise. We must not compete. We must collaborate. We must work with sincerity of purpose.

”That is what Mr. President has encouraged us to do by giving us this privilege to serve our nation,” Olukoyede said.

While expressing delight at the signing of the MoU, the EFCC boss appreciated that the commission and CCB had always enjoyed exchange of ideas, intelligence, technical collaboration and administrative support.

He called for the operationalisation of the MoU to make collaboration between the two agencies stronger.

While encouraging the Chairman of CCB on the job, Olukoyede reminded him of his power to freeze and confiscate assets and to carry out investigation and prosecution.

He enjoined him to be courageous; stressing: “You can’t be doing this kind of work and people will fall in love with you, unless you are not doing it well.

”So be ready to be called names and abused. What is important is that we make an impact,” he said.

Earlier, Bello had observed that the MoU marked a significant milestone for CCB in its fight against corruption.

He added that it showed the level of partnership and cooperation between the CCB and EFCC.

The agreement, he noted, “formalises our resolve to strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability in public life.

”The CCB enforces the highest ethical standards in Nigeria through asset declaration, verification, compliance, monitoring; while the EFCC leads with a determination against economic and financial crimes.

”We recognise that corruption cannot be defeated in silos. Definitely you cannot do it alone. Through this MoU, we commit to secure intelligence and information sharing.”

Speaking further, he stated that the CCB has a database of assets and liabilities of public servants in Nigeria.

“It is a very rich intelligence that the EFCC has been using and we will be able to share experience, also. That’s one of the key reasons why we have this MoU.”

He identified other areas of collaboration with the EFCC to include joint investigations and operational support, coordinated asset tracing and recovery.

Others, he said, included: capacity building and joint training; technological collaboration and better case management and unified public education campaigns.

“As we sign this MoU, let us signal a new era of united, effective action against corruption in Nigeria,” he said.

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Our correspondent reports that the former governor was arrested by the ICPC on Wednesday night shortly after he was released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody.

ICPC Spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed in a statement that the commission on Wednesday night took the former governor into custody for questioning over some allegations.

”Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the commission in connection with investigations.

”ICPC writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai the former governor of Kaduna State is in our custody as at close of work of Wednesday the 18th day of February, 2026,” Odey said.

Our correspondent reports that EFCC released the former governor Wednesday night on bail after spending two nights in its custody.

A source close to the commission confirmed that he was released late in the night on Wednesday after meeting with the bail conditions.

El-Rufai had been in the custody of EFCC since Monday, when he honoured the commission’s invitation to respond to corruption allegations levelled against his administration.

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