THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation, deepening an already dramatic series of legal and security developments surrounding the outspoken politician.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria late on Wednesday and signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey, the ICPC disclosed that El-Rufai remained in its custody as of the close of work on February 18, 2026.
“The Commission wishes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as at the close of work today, Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 2026,” the statement read.
“He is in the custody of the Commission in connection with ongoing investigations.”
The anti-graft agency did not provide specific details about the investigation but assured the public that due process was being followed and that further updates would be communicated in line with its mandate.
The ICPC confirmation comes amid a cascade of legal troubles for the former governor.
Earlier in the week, El-Rufai submitted himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following an invitation over corruption allegations tied to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
He was reportedly detained by the EFCC from Monday and granted bail at about 8pm on Wednesday.
However, shortly after his release, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service (SSS), allegedly took him into custody at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. He was subsequently transported to the DSS headquarters in the Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory.
The DSS action was linked to cybercrime allegations involving Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The DSS had earlier filed charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the communications of the National Security Adviser.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, followed comments made by El-Rufai during a live interview on Arise Television. During the broadcast, he claimed that the NSA’s phone had been tapped and that he overheard instructions directing security operatives to detain him.
According to the DSS prosecution, El-Rufai admitted accessing intercepted communications, failed to report those involved in unlawful interception, and compromised public safety and national security. The charges reportedly cite violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
No arraignment date has yet been announced.
The unfolding saga began last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, when security operatives attempted to detain El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt.
Videos circulated online showing a heated exchange between security personnel and his entourage. Witnesses said his international passport was briefly confiscated before he was allowed to leave the airport amid chants from supporters.
In response, El-Rufai alleged that the attempted arrest was carried out at the directive of the National Security Adviser through the DSS. He claimed to have heard the alleged instruction via intercepted communication.
His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, described the airport incident as arbitrary and unconstitutional, insisting that the EFCC invitation had been delivered while his client was abroad and that El-Rufai had formally agreed to present himself upon return.
Akpan also demanded the return of his client’s passport and warned of legal action against any unlawful detention.
El-Rufai has faced growing scrutiny since leaving office, including allegations that N423 billion in public funds were diverted during his administration. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly called for investigations into his tenure.
A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007, El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures. Once a strong ally of President Bola Tinubu, he later parted ways with the administration after his ministerial nomination did not materialize.
He has since joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and publicly vowed to work with opposition forces to prevent President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The ICPC emphasized that its actions are guided strictly by law.
“The Commission remains guided by the rule of law and assures the public that investigations are being conducted professionally and without prejudice,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai and his associates had not issued an official response to the ICPC confirmation of his detention.