The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is currently in its custody as part of an ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the agency said the former governor was detained as of the close of work on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The ICPC noted that the detention is linked to continuing investigations, though it did not immediately disclose details of the allegations.
Expanding legal scrutiny
The development adds to the legal challenges facing the former governor. He had earlier been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of multi billion naira financial misappropriation during his eight-year tenure.
An ad-hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly had previously accused his administration of diverting about ₦432 billion through questionable contracts and alleged money laundering.
El-Rufai has consistently rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. However, investigations by both the EFCC and ICPC into the financial dealings of his administration have continued.
Bail controversy and parallel probes
According to reports by SaharaReporters, the former governor spent two nights in EFCC custody before being granted administrative bail, which required senior federal officials to stand as sureties. The bail process reportedly stalled after one of the proposed guarantors withdrew amid alleged threats.
He was also scheduled to appear before the ICPC for questioning over separate corruption-related petitions, suggesting the possibility of parallel investigations.
DSS files separate charges
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against him at the Federal High Court Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser.
Court documents indicate that the charges stem partly from statements he allegedly made during a televised interview on Prime Time in Abuja. Prosecutors claim the former governor admitted to acts that violate provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and communications laws, including failing to report individuals allegedly involved in the interception.
The case is filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with El-Rufai listed as the sole defendant.
Authorities have not yet indicated when the investigation will conclude or whether formal charges will follow the ICPC detention.
