February 19, (THEWILL) — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has confirmed that former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.
This confirmation follows confusion that trailed security operations in Abuja on Wednesday night after El-Rufai was re-arrested shortly after being granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
El-Rufai, who had been in EFCC custody since Monday over corruption allegations, was released on bail at approximately 8:00 p.m.
However, moments after his release, armed operatives reportedly lying in wait at the EFCC headquarters picked him up, creating initial uncertainty over which security agency had carried out the arrest.
In a statement issued and signed on Wednesday night by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said the former governor 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. He is in the custody of the Commission in connection with ongoing investigations,” the statement read.
The legal team for El-Rufai has condemned the repeated arrests, describing them as arbitrary and a violation of his constitutional rights.
His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, had earlier warned that legal action would be taken against any unlawful detention and demanded the immediate return of his client’s passport.
While the ICPC has confirmed El-Rufai’s detention, it did not disclose specific details of the investigation, assuring that further updates would be provided in line with its mandate and established procedures.
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