The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai is now in its custody as investigations intensify around his time in office.
In a brief statement issued late on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Commission’s spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, said the former governor was being held in connection with ongoing investigations. The statement did not outline the specific allegations.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai the 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.
The latest development comes after a tense week involving multiple security and anti-graft agencies. El-Rufai had earlier reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following an invitation over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
Reports indicated that he spent two nights at the EFCC headquarters before being taken into custody by the Department of State Services. It remains unclear how he was transferred to the ICPC.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused the former governor of diverting ₦423 billion in public funds and alleged money laundering. The lawmakers called for an investigation by anti-corruption agencies.
The controversy widened last Thursday when security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after he arrived from Cairo.
El-Rufai later alleged that the ICPC acted on instructions from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to have him arrested. In an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, he claimed that “someone wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, allowing him to hear directives ordering his arrest.
On Monday, the Department of State Services filed a three-count charge against him over the alleged interception of the National Security Adviser’s telephone conversation.
The case has sparked debate about political power, security oversight, and anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria as the investigations continue.