Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, has confirmed that former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is currently in its custody as part of an ongoing investigation.
ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the former governor remained with the commission as of the close of work on February 18, 2026.
“Malam Nasiru El-Rufai… is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations,” the agency said, without giving further details.
The development follows recent scrutiny of the former governor by multiple agencies, including a visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure in Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
He had earlier confirmed receiving an ICPC invitation after what he described as an attempted arrest. A member of the African Democratic Congress, he has also faced past allegations from the Kaduna State House of Assembly involving the alleged diversion of public funds.
Separately, the Department of State Services has filed charges against him over claims linked to alleged interception of communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Prosecutors say the alleged actions breach cybercrime and communications laws.
El-Rufai, a former member of the All Progressives Congress, has yet to be formally arraigned. Reports also say security operatives attempted to detain him on his return from Cairo, Egypt, though the matter remains unresolved.
