Properties in Egypt: Stop ‘Smear Campaign’, release El-Rufai now — Lawyer tells ICPC

Counsel to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to end what he described as a smear campaign against his client and either release him immediately or charge him before a competent court.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the lawyer, Ubong Esop Akpan, accused the anti-graft agency of circulating unverified media reports alleging that El-Rufai owned multi-billion-naira properties in Egypt.

Akpan described the reports as “baseless leaks” allegedly designed to justify the continued detention of the former governor, which he said had exceeded 20 days without formal charges.

According to him, the allegations lack verifiable evidence and rely on anonymous sources, insisting that the claims were part of a politically motivated campaign rather than a legitimate investigation.

The lawyer said El-Rufai had initially reported voluntarily to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, and was granted administrative bail before he was later taken into custody by operatives allegedly acting under the authority of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 18.

Akpan maintained that the continued detention violates provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which requires suspects to be brought before a court within a reasonable time.

He also questioned the validity of a 14-day remand order reportedly issued by a magistrate court on February 19, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction over the alleged offences and that the order had expired on March 4.

“The continued confinement of my client without due process is illegal,” the lawyer stated.

Akpan further alleged that officials acting under the authority of ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, had attempted to pressure El-Rufai to abandon his political activities, warning that he could face prolonged detention if he failed to comply.

He said El-Rufai had repeatedly challenged the anti-corruption agency to file charges against him in court if there was any credible evidence.

“The resort to anonymous media leaks instead of judicial proceedings underscores the absence of any substantive case,” Akpan said.

The lawyer disclosed that the defence team had initiated criminal complaint proceedings against the ICPC chairman, the DSS Director-General and other officials allegedly involved in the matter.

He urged the anti-graft agency to release El-Rufai immediately or arraign him before a court of competent jurisdiction, stressing that continued detention without due process would undermine the rule of law and democratic principles in Nigeria.

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