ICPC Takes Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai into Custody After EFCC Release

Pic Credit- Muyiwa Adekeye via X

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai found himself back in the hands of anti-corruption authorities almost immediately after walking out of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters.

Sources close to the situation told reporters that El-Rufai had been released on administrative bail by the EFCC around 8 p.m. following more than two days of intense questioning. He had voluntarily appeared at the EFCC office in Abuja on Monday morning to respond to an invitation over allegations tied to his administration between 2015 and 2023, including claims of financial misconduct and possible money laundering involving substantial public funds.

But the relief was short-lived. According to eyewitness accounts and multiple confirmations from credible outlets, operatives from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) moved in swiftly outside the EFCC premises, taking the former governor into their custody shortly after 10 p.m. He was reportedly driven straight to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.

The ICPC quickly issued a brief statement through its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, confirming the development. “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.

While the ICPC did not elaborate on the specific grounds for the custody or the exact nature of the probe, the move aligns with a series of ongoing inquiries into El-Rufai's time in office. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had passed a resolution indicting him over the alleged diversion of approximately N423 billion in state funds, alongside accusations of money laundering. The assembly urged federal agencies to investigate and prosecute where necessary.

El-Rufai's interactions with anti-graft bodies have intensified in recent months. He had earlier received invitations from both the EFCC and ICPC, and there were reports of prior scheduling conflicts or attempts to coordinate appearances. Some accounts suggest the ICPC had planned to question him separately, possibly on issues like the controversial and ultimately failed Kaduna light rail project, which reportedly cost over N1.3 billion without delivering tangible results.

The former governor's supporters and close aides have described the sequence of events as coordinated pressure, while critics argue it reflects legitimate accountability for public resource management during his eight-year tenure. El-Rufai, a prominent political figure who played a key role in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress candidate in 2023, has maintained that he is ready to cooperate with any lawful inquiry.

As of Thursday morning, no further official details had emerged from either agency regarding the status of El-Rufai's detention, potential charges, or when he might be released. Legal observers note that such custody periods often involve continued questioning, document review, and possible bail considerations, depending on the evidence presented.

The back-to-back involvement of the EFCC and ICPC deepen  the multi-agency approach sometimes taken in high-profile corruption probes in Nigeria. It also features the persistent scrutiny faced by former officials amid public demands for transparency in governance.

El-Rufai's legal team has yet to issue a detailed public response to the latest development, though past statements from his camp have emphasized his willingness to address any concerns through proper channels.