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 over ongoing investigations.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the Commission disclosed that El-Rufai remained in detention as of the close of work on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While the ICPC did not disclose specific details of the allegations, it said the former governor is being held in connection with investigative activities.
The development comes amid mounting legal challenges for El-Rufai. He had earlier been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged multi-billion naira financial misappropriation during his eight-year tenure. A Kaduna State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee had previously accused his administration of siphoning about ₦432 billion through questionable contracts and alleged money laundering — claims he has consistently denied, describing them as politically motivated.
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against the former governor at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges allege unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Court documents show that the charges, marked FHC/CR/99/2026, stem partly from statements allegedly made by El-Rufai during a televised interview. As investigations continue across multiple agencies, the former governor faces parallel probes that could significantly shape the legal battle ahead.