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A Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, has granted the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) permission to detain former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, for an additional 14 days to enable the agency conclude its investigation into alleged money laundering and abuse of office levelled against him.

Court documents showed that the remand extension was granted last Thursday, with the former governor represented in court by his legal team.

According to ICPC Facebook page, the order, which followed an earlier 14-day remand that el-Rufai unsuccessfully sought to quash, would run until March 19, 2026, giving investigators more time to interrogate allegations surrounding his stewardship of Kaduna State.

The ICPC had approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari seeking a renewal of the detention warrant to “conclude investigation activities on allegations of money laundering and abuse of office” against the ex-governor.

The magistrate, Okechukwu John Akweke, granted the application as prayed, directing the anti-graft agency to re-detain el-Rufai in its custody for another 14 days.

However, el-Rufai’s lawyers have returned to the same court to challenge the fresh order after failing in an earlier bid to set aside the initial remand.

They insist the prolonged detention is unlawful and amounts to an abuse of process, arguing that the magistrate court exceeded its jurisdiction in granting the initial and subsequent remand requests.

Sources within the ICPC maintain that the commission is acting strictly within the law and only detaining the former governor on the strength of valid court orders.

They also point to an “outstanding petition” against el-Rufai, saying equity demands that the commission fully hear from him and complete its investigations before taking further steps.

The legal tussle over his continued stay in custody is now set for a crucial test on March 17, when the magistrate is expected to rule on whether to uphold or vacate the renewed detention order.

The outcome will shape the next phase of the high-profile probe, which has already sparked intense political and legal debate across the country.

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Arising from its 106th National Executive Committee NEC meeting, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP  approved the conduct of the Zonal Congresses scheduled to take place in a fortnight, as part of the Party’s orderly progression toward the National Convention.

Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a 12-point communique issued at the 106th Meeting of the National Executive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  held on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, in Abuja.

The major opposition party in Nigeria after extensive deliberations on issues concerning the Party and the current political developments within its structures, the NEC resolved as follows:

1. NEC commended the National Caretaker Working Committee led by Hon Abdulrahman Mohammed for its commitment and efforts in stabilizing the Party and guiding its affairs during this transitional period.

2. NEC noted with satisfaction the Successful conduct of the Ward and Local Government Congresses across the State Congresses scheduled to hold this weekend will be conducted the country and expressed confidence that
peacefuily, transparently, and in strict compliance with the Constitution and quidelines of the Party.

3. NEC further approved the conduct of the Zonal Congresses scheduled to take place in a fortnight, as part of the Party’s orderly progression toward the National Convention.

4. NEC welcomed the judgments of the Court of Appeal affirming the leadership and authority of the National Caretaker Working Committee, noting that the rulings have strengthened the constitutional processes and stability of
the Party.

5. NEC emphasized the urgent need for reconciliation, unity, and collective responsibility among all leaders stakeholders of the Party, stressing that the strength of the PDP lies s in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to Party structures.

6. In this regard, NEC called on all parties involved in disputes within the Party to embrace reconciliation and refrain from pursuing further litigation, particularly any move to proceed to the Supreme Court, in the overriding interest of unity, stability, and the future of the Party.

7. NEC approved the commencement and expansion of the Party’s electronic membership registration (e-registration) as part of efforts to modernize the Party’s membership database, strengthen grassroots participation, and enhance transparency and efficiency in Party administration.

8.NEC reaffirmed preparations for the forthcoming National Convention scheduled for the 29th and 30th of March, where a new National Working Commitee (NWC) will be elected in accordance with the Constitution of the Party.

9. NEC received and noted the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections as issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC), pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act,  2026, which requires that the Notice of Election be issued not later than (300) days before the date of election.

NEC accordingly noted the proposed schedule of activities in compliance with the INEC timetable,  including the submission of Party’s Register of members to the commission, conduct of party primaries for various elective offices and the timelines for the resolution of disputes arising from such primaries.

NEC urged all organs and stakeholders of the party to commence the necessary preparations and ensure strict adherence to the approved timetable and all relevant statutory provisions.

THE APPROVED PDP TIMETABLE
a. Submission of Membership Register – April 10, 2026
b. State Assembly Primaries  – May 2, 2026
c. National Assembly Primaries  – May 9, 2026
d. Gubernatorial Primaries  – May 16, 2026
e. Presidential Primaries  – May 25, 2026

NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES
a. Main Committee
b. Electoral Committee
c. Accreditation Committee
d. Venue and Entertainment Committee
e. Accommodation and Transport Committee
f. Special Duties (Finance) Committee
g. Security/ Committee
h. Media and Publicity
i. Medical Committee
j. Contact and Mobilisation
k. Protocol Committee

10. NEC strongly condemned the attack by hoodlums on members of the Party during the recently conducted Congresses in Oyo State.

NEC described the incident as unfortunate,  unacceptable and contrary to the democratic values.

NEC called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

11. NEC called on all leaders, stakeholders, and members across the federation to remain united, disciplined, and focused, and to support all processes leading to the successful conduct of the State, Zonal, and National Convention activities.

12. NEC reaffirmed the commitment of the Peoples Democratic Party to democratic principles, nationa! unity, good governance, and the welfare of Nigerians, while assuring citizens that the PDP remains the most credible
platform for responsible leadership and national development

The NEC meeting ended on a note of renewed unity and determination among Party leaders and members to strengthen the Party and position for greater national service.

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Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has stepped aside from Law Corridor to pursue his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Partners and Management of Law Corridor announced Olajengbesi’s exit in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the decision was in view of his political activities and aspirations for public service.

The firm explained that the decision was made in accordance with its internal governance framework, which requires it to maintain strict political neutrality.

The Deputy Managing Partner of the firm, Ganiyu Ajibola Bello, added that the partners appreciate Olajengbesi’s contributions to the firm’s growth.

He said, “This decision is in accordance with the Articles of Governance of Law Corridor, which uphold the firm’s long-standing policy of political neutrality.

“The Partners of the firm express their appreciation to Mr. Olajengbesi for his contributions to the growth and development of Law Corridor and wish him the very best in his public service aspirations.”

Olajengbesi aspires to occupy the Obokun–Oriade Federal Constituency seat of Osun State in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general election.

Olajengbesi, who previously served as the Managing Partner of Law Corridor, returned to the firm’s leadership structure as Senior Partner and Group Lead for the Family, Succession and Wealth Management (FSW) Practice after completing his tenure as Managing Partner.