Tag: El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has rejected reports that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, developed nose bleeding while being held by the agency. Reacting to the allegation circulated by his spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, the commission insisted that El-Rufai did not suffer any health complications throughout his detention. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, shortly after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where he had spent two nights. His continued detention and the circumstances surrounding his transfer have stirred legal arguments and political reactions. In a statement released on Tuesday, Adekeye said members of El-Rufai’s legal team had not been provided with any court order authorising his detention beyond the 48 hours permitted by law without formal charges. He also claimed that both lawyers and family members were being restricted from accessing the former governor. As of now, the ICPC has not disclosed the exact allegations that led to his arrest, even as associates and supporters continue to call for transparency and strict compliance with due process. Analysts say the situation reflects broader concerns about detention procedures and the rights of suspects within Nigeria’s law enforcement framework.

The continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked fresh concern, as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has not approved his bail more than a week after he was taken into custody. According to a statement released on Monday by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai has been in detention since February 16, 2026, when he responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He was reportedly held by the EFCC until the evening of February 18 before being transferred to the ICPC. Adekeye disclosed that El-Rufai’s legal team filed a formal bail request with the ICPC on February 19, but no response has been received. He also noted that the lawyers have not been shown any remand order authorising his prolonged detention, despite the constitutional provision that limits detention without charge to 48 hours. The former governor is expected in court this week over two separate matters. A fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC and the Department of State Services is set for hearing on February 25 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The suit seeks an order granting him bail. On the same date, he is also scheduled to be arraigned on charges said to have been filed by the DSS. Providing further details, Adekeye said operatives of the ICPC searched El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive on February 19. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the search, describing the warrant as flawed and the operation unlawful. El-Rufai has since approached the Federal High Court, asking the court to nullify the warrant on grounds including lack of probable cause, excessive scope and drafting errors. The case names the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents. El-Rufai is also seeking an order preventing authorities from using any materials seized during the search in any proceedings against him.

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 over ongoing investigations linked to the controversial N1.3 billion Kaduna light rail project. El-Rufai was earlier arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after he was released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has now been transferred to the ICPC as investigations widen. The former governor is facing trial at the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, over the failed Joint Venture light rail project initiated during his administration. Although funds were paid to a joint venture partner for the execution of the project, the rail scheme was never delivered. In a statement issued late Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed the development. “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.” The anti-graft agency also secured a temporary forfeiture order from the Federal High Court in Kaduna for N1,373,180,510.07, said to be part of the funds allocated to the abandoned rail project. According to the commission, the money was traced to the account of Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nig. Ltd and was “allegedly diverted into a private account.” The ICPC approached Justice H. Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, through an ex-parte application dated February 14, 2025, seeking orders for the seizure of the funds as part of its ongoing probe.