The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is currently in its custody.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said El-Rufai was detained as of the close of work on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in connection with ongoing investigations. The Commission, however, did not disclose specific details of the allegations.
El-Rufai’s detention adds to a series of legal challenges he has faced. He was previously arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of multi-billion-naira financial misappropriation during his eight-year tenure as governor.
A Kaduna State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee had earlier alleged that El-Rufai’s administration siphoned about ₦432 billion through questionable contracts and money-laundering activities.
The former governor has consistently denied the claims, describing them as politically motivated “witch-hunts.”
Reports indicate that El-Rufai had spent two nights in EFCC custody prior to his ICPC detention.
Sources said he was initially granted administrative bail contingent on a Permanent Secretary and a Federal Ministry Director standing as sureties.
However, the bail process reportedly stalled after the Permanent Secretary withdrew, citing threats and intimidation.
El-Rufai was also scheduled to appear before the ICPC for questioning regarding separate corruption allegations.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charges, filed under FHC/CR/99/2026, relate to allegations that the former governor unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents suggest that El-Rufai made incriminating statements during a televised interview on February 13, 2026, while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme.
The DSS alleges that he admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications, interacting with individuals involved in the interceptions, and failing to report them, in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution team representing the DSS includes Ernest O.M., Owan O.M., U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze (PhD), and E.G. Orubor, acting on behalf of the Federal Government.
El-Rufai, 65, faces mounting scrutiny as multiple agencies pursue parallel investigations into his administration’s financial dealings and alleged violations of national security laws.ICPC Takes Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai Into Custody Amid Corruption Probe
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is currently in its custody.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said El-Rufai was detained as of the close of work on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in connection with ongoing investigations. The Commission, however, did not disclose specific details of the allegations.
El-Rufai’s detention adds to a series of legal challenges he has faced. He was previously arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of multi-billion-naira financial misappropriation during his eight-year tenure as governor.
A Kaduna State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee had earlier alleged that El-Rufai’s administration siphoned about ₦432 billion through questionable contracts and money-laundering activities.
The former governor has consistently denied the claims, describing them as politically motivated “witch-hunts.”
Reports indicate that El-Rufai had spent two nights in EFCC custody prior to his ICPC detention.
Sources said he was initially granted administrative bail contingent on a Permanent Secretary and a Federal Ministry Director standing as sureties.
However, the bail process reportedly stalled after the Permanent Secretary withdrew, citing threats and intimidation.
El-Rufai was also scheduled to appear before the ICPC for questioning regarding separate corruption allegations.
READ ALSO: El-Rufai Raises Alarm, Accuses ICPC, DSS of Masterminding His Arrest
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charges, filed under FHC/CR/99/2026, relate to allegations that the former governor unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents suggest that El-Rufai made incriminating statements during a televised interview on February 13, 2026, while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme.
The DSS alleges that he admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications, interacting with individuals involved in the interceptions, and failing to report them, in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution team representing the DSS includes Ernest O.M., Owan O.M., U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze (PhD), and E.G. Orubor, acting on behalf of the Federal Government.
El-Rufai, 65, faces mounting scrutiny as multiple agencies pursue parallel investigations into his administration’s financial dealings and alleged violations of national security laws.