The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, is currently in its custody as part of an ongoing investigation.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, made available to Securitynewsalert.com, the Commission stated that El-Rufai remained in its custody at the close of work that day while investigators continued their probe. The statement, signed by ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey, did not provide detailed information about the nature of the investigation.
The statement read in part: “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.”
El-Rufai served two terms as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 after previously holding several public offices, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
During and after his tenure, various policy decisions and projects undertaken by his administration drew both support and criticism from political stakeholders, civil society groups, and opposition figures.
Anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, including the ICPC, are mandated to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and related offences involving public officials. Such investigations may involve questioning individuals or temporarily holding them while inquiries are ongoing.
As of the time of the announcement, the ICPC did not indicate whether formal charges had been filed against the former governor. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
