The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently in its custody in relation to an ongoing investigation.
ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, stated that El-Rufai remained with the Commission as of the close of work on Wednesday, 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. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations,” the statement read.
The anti-corruption agency, however, did not disclose further details regarding the nature of the investigation.
Last week Friday, the African Democratic Congress chieftain had acknowledged receiving an invitation from the ICPC.
“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 wrote on his X account.
His custody follows a string of allegations and engagements with security and anti-corruption agencies in recent days.
Approximately three days earlier, El-Rufai was at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja. He was reportedly invited over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
Two years ago, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering. The lawmakers subsequently called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.
In addition, there were reports recently that security operatives attempted to detain him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.
The former APC chieftain later alleged that someone had “wiretapped” the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, enabling him to overhear directives concerning his arrest.
Following that claim, the Department of State Services filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai for allegedly intercepting Ribadu’s telephone conversation.
Prosecutors argued that the alleged act violated Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
In the second count, the DSS accused him of admitting that he knew and associated with an individual who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s communications but failed to report the matter to authorities, an offence it said contravenes Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
The third count alleged that El-Rufai and others currently at large employed technical devices or systems in a manner that endangered public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
As of the time of reporting, no date has been set for his arraignment.
What you should know
The ICPC has confirmed that former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is in its custody over an ongoing investigation, though details remain undisclosed.
His detention follows recent invitations from both the ICPC and EFCC over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure.
He also faces charges filed by the DSS related to alleged interception of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s communications under the Cybercrimes Act and the Nigerian Communications Act.
No arraignment date has yet been announced, as multiple legal and investigative processes continue.
