The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufus, is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, said El-Rufai remained in custody as of the close of work on February 18, 2026.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, 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,” the statement read.
The anti-corruption agency, however, did not disclose details of the investigation.
Prior Invitations, Allegations
The development follows a series of allegations and engagements between the former governor and security agencies.
Last Friday, El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirmed he had been invited by the ICPC.
“Yesterday, after the futile attempt to abduct me, the ICPC delivered a letter to invite me to their office. My lawyer has written to confirm that I will be attending the ICPC office on Wednesday, 18 February 2026,” he wrote on his X account.
About three days earlier, El-Rufai had also honoured an invitation at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations of financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023.
Two years ago, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering, and urged anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.
DSS Charges Over Alleged Wiretapping
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai over allegations that he intercepted a phone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges followed claims by El-Rufai that someone had “wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to overhear instructions for his arrest.
According to prosecutors, the alleged offence contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
In count two, the DSS accused him of acknowledging that he knew and associated with an individual who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s communications but failed to report the matter to security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
The third count alleged that El-Rufai and others now at large used technical equipment or systems in a manner that compromised public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
No date has been fixed for his arraignment.
