ICPC Confirms Custody of Ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Amid Ongoing Investigations

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, disclosed that El-Rufai was in the commission’s custody as of the close of work on February 18, 2026.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as of the close of work today, Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 2026,” the statement read, adding that his detention is connected to ongoing investigations. The commission, however, did not disclose specific details of the case.

The development follows a series of allegations and engagements between the former governor and security agencies. Last week, El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirmed on social media that he had been formally invited by the ICPC and would honour the invitation on February 18.

Only days earlier, El-Rufai had also appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations of financial impropriety linked to his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.

Two years ago, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had indicted El-Rufai over alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering, urging anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.

More recently, reports emerged of an attempted arrest upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai later alleged that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been wiretapped, allowing him to overhear instructions for his arrest.

That allegation prompted the Department of State Services (DSS) to file a three-count charge against him, citing alleged violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. No date has yet been fixed for his arraignment.

The ICPC has not indicated when further details of its investigation will be made public.