ICPC Confirms Detaining Nasir El-Rufai After His Release By EFCC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai into custody.

The ex-governor, who was initially arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai is facing a case at the Federal High Court in Kaduna over the N1.3 billion Joint Venture Kaduna light rail project, which was not completed.

The funds were reportedly paid to a joint venture partner during his time in office, but the project was never carried out.

In a statement on Friday night, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed that El-Rufai was in the commission’s custody as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

He said the former governor’s detention is linked to investigations being conducted by the agency.

Odey said: “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 at 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.”

pic.twitter.com/e1IHT9Ck4H

— ICPC Nigeria (@icpcnigeria) February 19, 2026

Last Friday, the former governor, who is a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he had received an invitation from the ICPC.

El-Rufai, who disclosed this on his X page after a failed attempt to abduct him, ssid the commission sent him a letter requesting his presence.

He added that his lawyer had replied, confirming he would appear at the ICPC office on February 18.

“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,” the ex-governor wrote.

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. pic.twitter.com/K7PLXOCiRI

— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) February 13, 2026

KanyiDaily recalls that on Monday, Nasir El-Rufai visited the EFCC headquarters after being invited over allegations of financial misconduct during his time as Kaduna  governor.