Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, landed in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The agency detained him on February 18, 2026, following his release from another anti-graft body. Officials moved El-Rufai to ICPC facilities in Abuja shortly after.
Prior EFCC Detention
Earlier, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission held El-Rufai since Monday. They questioned him over allegations of N432 billion fraud during his 2015-2023 tenure. The EFCC granted administrative bail around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. However ICPC operatives rearrested him immediately afterward.
Details of Investigations
The ICPC withheld specifics on the probe. Moreover sources linked it to the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s 2024 report. The assembly indicted El-Rufai for diverting N423 billion and money laundering. Additionally the Department of State Services filed cybercrime charges against him.
Official Statements
John Odey, ICPC spokesperson, confirmed the detention. “Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with ongoing investigations,” Odey stated. J. Okor Odey, head of media and public communications at ICPC, echoed similar sentiments. “He was taken into custody on Wednesday night in connection with investigations,” Okor said.
Broader Context
El-Rufai honored earlier invitations from anti-graft agencies. His lawyer pushed for bail during the EFCC phase. Meanwhile the ICPC promised updates in due course. The detention highlighted intensified scrutiny on his administration’s financial dealings.
