The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, is currently in its custody over an ongoing investigation.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by J. Okor Odey, the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications. While the ICPC confirmed el-Rufai’s detention, it did not disclose the specific nature of the investigation.
“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 at 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,” the statement read.
El-Rufai’s detention comes amid a series of engagements with anti-graft and security agencies.
On Monday, the former governor presented himself at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following an invitation over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted el-Rufai over the alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering, and subsequently called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.
Last Thursday, security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest el-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai later alleged that the arrest attempt was orchestrated by the ICPC at the instruction of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser.
During an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise Television, el-Rufai further claimed that “someone wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to overhear instructions for his arrest.
Following these claims, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday filed a three-count charge against the former governor for allegedly intercepting the NSA’s telephone conversation. He was later taken into custody by the DSS after spending two nights at the EFCC headquarters.
It remains unclear whether the DSS formally handed el-Rufai over to the ICPC or whether the Commission assumed custody independently as part of its ongoing investigations.
