The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that a former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently in its custody as part of an ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, said El-Rufai remained with the agency as of the close of work on February 18, 2026. According to the statement, the former governor is being held in connection with investigations, though no specific details were disclosed regarding the nature of the case.
The ICPC’s confirmation comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny surrounding El-Rufai, who has recently been involved in a series of engagements with security and anti-corruption agencies. Last week Friday, the former governor—now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—publicly acknowledged receiving an invitation from the ICPC.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, El-Rufai stated that the invitation followed what he described as a failed attempt to abduct him. He added that his lawyer had formally responded to the ICPC, confirming his appearance at the Commission’s office on Wednesday, February 18.
Only days earlier, El-Rufai had also appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja. The EFCC invitation was reportedly linked to allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over allegations of diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering, subsequently calling on relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has also been entangled in a separate security-related controversy. Earlier reports alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. He later claimed that he became aware of plans to arrest him after allegedly overhearing instructions issued by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Following those claims, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications and failing to report an alleged accomplice, as well as compromising public safety and national security through the use of technical equipment.
Despite the multiple allegations and investigations involving different agencies, no date has yet been fixed for El-Rufai’s arraignment in court.
