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ICPC confirms detention of Nasir El-Rufai
Beleaguered former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday night, minutes after his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
El-Rufai was reportedly arrested outside the EFCC headquarters at about 10:00 p.m. and subsequently driven to the ICPC headquarters.
Confirming the development in a statement, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey said the former governor was in the custody of the commission as of the close of work on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in connection with ongoing investigations.
While the spokesperson did not specify the details of the probe, it is believed to be linked to allegations of money laundering.
El-Rufai had spent two nights in EFCC custody after presenting himself before the commission on Monday for questioning. He is being investigated over an alleged N432 billion money laundering case, following a petition by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
In March 2024, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani disclosed that his administration inherited debts totaling $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous government led by El-Rufai. He noted that the debt burden was significantly affecting Kaduna State’s share of the monthly federation allocation.
An ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna assembly in 2024 recommended that El-Rufai be investigated. The committee accused him of diverting public funds amounting to N432 billion.
Henry Zacharia, chairman of the committee, presented the report during plenary in May 2024, alleging that many of the loans secured under El-Rufai’s administration were diverted for purposes other than those originally approved.
He further stated that several loans obtained and projects executed did not follow due process.
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