The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is in its custody as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey, said El-Rufai remained in ICPC custody as of the close of work on February 18, 2026. The clarification followed widespread reports about the former governor’s movements between Nigeria’s two principal anti-graft agencies earlier in the week.
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai had on Monday presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, where he was initially questioned over matters believed to relate to financial decisions and contract awards during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023. After the EFCC session, he was subsequently taken into ICPC custody as investigations expanded to issues falling within the commission’s statutory mandate, particularly procurement processes and alleged violations of public service regulations.
While the ICPC did not specify the exact counts under investigation, sources familiar with the probe indicated that investigators are reviewing petitions and documentary evidence relating to large-scale infrastructure contracts, consultancy arrangements, and expenditure approvals executed in the final years of El-Rufai’s administration. The former governor has not been formally charged in court, and the agencies have not disclosed any indictment.
The development marks a rare instance of sequential action involving both anti-corruption bodies in a single high-profile case. The EFCC typically handles financial crimes, money laundering, and illicit asset tracing, while the ICPC focuses on corruption in public administration, procurement breaches, and abuse of office.
El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has previously faced political controversies and investigations but has consistently denied wrongdoing. As of press time, his aides had not issued a fresh statement on the ICPC confirmation, though allies have earlier described the investigations as politically motivated.
Legal analysts note that under Nigerian law, suspects may be held by anti-graft agencies for questioning within constitutionally defined limits before being released on bail or arraigned. Observers say the outcome of the probe could have significant political implications, given El-Rufai’s national stature and ongoing role in intra-party dynamics ahead of future electoral cycles.
The ICPC said further details would be made public as investigations progress.
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