A lawyer, Barrister Maxwell, has reportedly spoken about the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai after visiting him in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Maxwell was quoted as saying that El-Rufai was “paying for his sins” following his visit to the former governor, who is facing corruption-related allegations arising from his time in office.
El-Rufai has been the subject of investigations and court proceedings by the ICPC over allegations including abuse of office, money laundering, diversion of public funds and other financial offences. The former governor has denied wrongdoing and has described the investigation as politically motivated.
The ICPC initially detained El-Rufai in February 2026 after he honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency. The commission subsequently obtained court orders authorising his continued detention while investigations proceeded.
The former governor maintained his right to remain silent during questioning by investigators. In statements made while in custody, he said he would respond to the allegations only before a court of law, arguing that the investigation was linked to his activities as a leading member of the opposition African Democratic Congress.
The ICPC, however, rejected claims that the investigation amounted to political persecution and said it was acting on a petition concerning alleged financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna governor.
The commission said the petition was submitted in 2024 and involved allegations of diversion of state funds, mismanagement of loans and possible violations of procurement laws.
El-Rufai has since faced multiple legal proceedings. In March, the ICPC arraigned him in connection with alleged financial offences, including allegations involving ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In another proceeding, the former governor was arraigned on amended charges involving alleged advance-fee fraud and money laundering. He also pleaded not guilty to those allegations.
A Federal High Court subsequently granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum, although he was ordered to remain in ICPC custody until the bail conditions were fulfilled.
The latest comments attributed to Maxwell add another dimension to the debate surrounding the former governor's detention, particularly as supporters and critics continue to disagree over whether the proceedings represent legitimate anti-corruption enforcement or political persecution.
For now, the allegations against El-Rufai remain matters before the courts. The former governor has pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution will be required to establish its case through the judicial process.
The ICPC has maintained that it will continue the prosecution in accordance with the law and has urged the public to rely on official information rather than unverified claims surrounding the case.
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