The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Malam Nasir El‑Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is in its custody as part of ongoing investigations.
In a statement issued late on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and signed by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications for the ICPC, the commission said El‑Rufai was in its custody in connection with its investigations.
The statement did not specify the exact nature of the probe or how long the former governor will remain in custody.
El‑Rufai had earlier appeared at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, February 16, after he was invited by the agency.
He was detained there for questioning related to alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
According to multiple reports, the former governor spent two nights in EFCC custody before being released on bail late Wednesday.
Shortly after his release, he was taken into ICPC custody. The ICPC confirmed he remained with the commission as of the close of work on Wednesday night.
The detention of El‑Rufai follows broader inquiries into alleged financial transactions and projects executed during his administration as governor.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had urged anti‑graft agencies to investigate him over allegations of diversion of public funds and money laundering.
While both the EFCC and ICPC have been involved in questioning and custody transitions, neither agency has publicly detailed specific charges against El‑Rufai in relation to the ongoing probe. The ICPC statement confirmed custody but did not disclose precise allegations.
Officials from the EFCC and ICPC have not provided a timetable for further legal procedures or any court appearance. The ICPC said it would provide updates in accordance with its procedures.
El‑Rufai’s legal representatives have previously addressed aspects of his detention. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, has criticised repeated custody transfers, describing them as arbitrary and seeking the return of the former governor’s passport.
As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, El‑Rufai remains in the custody of the ICPC in connection with the ongoing investigations. The commission has said further updates will be communicated in line with its mandate and established procedures.
The ICPC and EFCC involvement represents concurrent inquiries into separate aspects of El‑Rufai’s conduct in office.
No formal charges have been detailed publicly by ICPC in relation to the custody transition.
Further legal developments, including possible court proceedings, are expected as investigations continue under Nigerian anti‑graft laws.
