Thursday, February 19, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai remains at the centre of a high-stakes anti-corruption investigation as authorities transition his custody from one major probe body to another amid mounting legal and political pressure.
On Wednesday night, after spending several days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations linked to the suspected misappropriation of N432 billion during his eight-year tenure as governor, El-Rufai was reportedly released by EFCC investigators only to be taken into the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further questioning.
The dramatic custody transfer follows an extended period of intense scrutiny by anti-graft agencies. El-Rufai initially appeared at the EFCC’s headquarters on Monday, February 16, in response to an invitation tied to allegations arising from a 2024 Kaduna State House of Assembly report. That report accused his administration of financial mismanagement, including alleged irregularities in loans, contract awards, and a ballooning state debt profile—claims the former governor has repeatedly denied, dismissing the probe as politically motivated.
Although his legal team, led by Senior Advocate A.U. Mustapha, has pushed for bail and stressed El-Rufai’s cooperation, sources within the EFCC indicated investigators might seek a remand order to extend his detention beyond the statutory 48-hour window to complete questioning.
Amid the continued interrogation, reports on Wednesday confirmed that operatives of the ICPC formally took custody of El-Rufai, underscoring the seriousness and complexity of the ongoing investigation. Official details from the ICPC regarding the scope of its inquiries or the duration of his detention have not been disclosed.
The probe’s backdrop includes widespread public interest and demonstrations. Supporters of accountability have staged protests at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, demanding transparent prosecution, while El-Rufai’s allies have characterised aspects of the investigation as politically charged.
The legal landscape remains highly fluid: separate criminal charges have also been filed against El-Rufai by other security agencies over alleged unlawful interception of communications, adding further layers to his legal challenges.
As Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption bodies intensify their work, the nation watches closely how this high-profile case unfolds against broader debates on governance, accountability, and the rule of law.