The ICPC confirms former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is in its custody as of February 18, 2026, over an unspecified probe
Nasir El-Rufai Detained by ICPC: Ex-Kaduna Governor in Custody Over Ongoing Investigations
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is in its custody in connection with an active investigation.
In a statement released late Wednesday, February 18, 2026, ICPC Head of Media and Public Communications John Odey declared: “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. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations.”
No further details on the specific allegations were provided in the statement.
The detention follows a string of high-profile engagements with anti-graft and security agencies. Last Friday, El-Rufai—now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—publicly confirmed an ICPC invitation after what he described as a failed abduction attempt.
“Yesterday, after the futile attempt to abduct me, the ICPC delivered a letter to invite me to their office. My lawyer has written to confirm that I will be attending the ICPC office on Wednesday, 18 February 2026,” he posted on X.
Just days earlier, the former governor was at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, responding to an invitation over alleged financial improprieties during his 2015–2023 tenure.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted El-Rufai for allegedly diverting ₦423 billion in public funds and engaging in money laundering, referring the matter to anti-corruption agencies for investigation.
Tensions escalated recently when reports surfaced of security operatives attempting to arrest El-Rufai upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. The ex-APC stalwart claimed he overheard arrest instructions after someone allegedly wiretapped National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s phone.
That assertion prompted the Department of State Services (DSS) to file a three-count criminal charge against him under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges accuse El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting communications, failing to report knowledge of interception, and compromising national security through technical means. No arraignment date has been scheduled.
El-Rufai’s custody at the ICPC marks the latest chapter in a series of legal and investigative pressures facing the former two-term governor, intensifying scrutiny on governance and accountability in one of Nigeria’s key northern states. Read More
