- Ex-Gov, El-Rufai To Spend Second Night In ICPC Custody
- EFCC questioned him over tenure related transactions.
- DSS probe followed remarks involving National Security Adviser.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai, was expected to spend a second night in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, with no official confirmation of his release as of Thursday evening.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the anti graft agency confirmed his detention in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey.
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“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 of the 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,” Odey said.
Sources familiar with the process said investigators were continuing engagements with the former governor as part of standard procedures.
“They are carrying out standard investigative procedures, including questioning him, taking his statement under caution and reviewing financial and project documents linked to his administration,” a source said.
The source added that investigators were confronting El Rufai with financial records, contract files and other materials relevant to their inquiry. The process, according to the source, requires his physical presence to clarify entries and formally record statements.
El Rufai’s continued detention followed earlier developments involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He had honoured an invitation by the commission over alleged financial improprieties linked to his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
He reportedly spent two nights at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja undergoing questioning over transactions and projects executed during his administration.
The EFCC granted him administrative bail on Wednesday evening after initial questioning. However, armed operatives stationed outside the commission’s premises later took him into fresh custody in connection with a separate investigation.
The ICPC subsequently issued formal confirmation of his detention.
The development also involved the Department of State Services following El Rufai’s recent television comments alleging unlawful phone interception involving the National Security Adviser.
The allegation led to separate cybercrime charges filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The unfolding situation highlights the separate but overlapping mandates of Nigeria’s anti corruption and security agencies as investigations continue into matters concerning the former governor.
