Abuja, Nigeria – March 2, 2026 – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, to keep former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai in custody while investigations into multiple corruption allegations continue.
The detention order, granted on February 19, 2026, is set to lapse on March 5, 2026. ICPC disclosed the development in court filings submitted to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in response to an application by el-Rufai alleging unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental human rights. The commission urged the court to dismiss the application, insisting that all actions taken have followed due legal process.
According to an affidavit sworn by ICPC litigation officer David Efuk and filed before the court, investigators recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of intercepting telephone conversations, as well as documents described as “sensitive to national security,” during a search of el-Rufai’s residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja, on February 19, 2026. The search was conducted in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai.
The affidavit stated that el-Rufai declined to provide consent for investigators to access the seized electronic devices, despite being presented with a consent form (marked Exhibit ICPC 5). ICPC further alleged that el-Rufai refused to cooperate with interviews or respond to questions during preliminary investigation activities.
The commission also claimed that one of el-Rufai’s aides linked to the investigation has fled the country. Additionally, ICPC cited a letter from a potential prosecution witness requesting protection, alleging threats from the former governor (marked Exhibit ICPC 6).
The ICPC maintained that el-Rufai’s detention is lawful and based on a valid court order. “Contrary to the depositions of the applicant in his supporting affidavit, he is lawfully held in the custody of the commission, and the commission has not breached any of his fundamental rights as claimed,” the filing read.
The commission reiterated its mandate to investigate corruption, abuse of office, and related offences, stating that it may remand suspects pending conclusion of investigations when necessary. ICPC pledged to conclude investigations and draw up charges before the remand order expires on March 5, 2026.
The probe reportedly commenced following a petition accusing el-Rufai of corrupt practices during his tenure as governor (2015–2023). The allegations include:
Unexplained foreign currency withdrawals totaling €1.4 million;
Suspicious payments exceeding N2.1 billion;
Transfers of more than N428 million to undisclosed accounts;
Irregular withdrawals and transactions from accounts linked to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR);
Collection of huge domestic and foreign loans for projects that were either abandoned or executed in violation of procurement laws.
In his counter-affidavit, el-Rufai described the investigation as “politically motivated,” asserting that he is being targeted because of his leadership role in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as “the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria.” He invoked his constitutional right to silence, stating: “Regarding this question and any other questions, I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence.”
El-Rufai further argued that after nearly two years of investigation, ICPC should present its findings before a judicial tribunal rather than continue detention. “I believe that these investigations amount to political persecution which only a judge can decide upon,” he stated.
The ICPC countered that el-Rufai was first invited for questioning multiple times but failed to appear, leading to his initial detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after he honored an invitation but could not meet bail conditions. He was subsequently handed over to ICPC on February 18, 2026.
The case has drawn significant public and political attention, given el-Rufai’s prominence as a former governor, influential figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) until his recent move to the ADC, and vocal critic of the current administration. Legal analysts note that the allegations, if substantiated, involve serious financial impropriety and potential abuse of office, while el-Rufai’s defence frames the probe as politically driven persecution.
The High Court is expected to rule on el-Rufai’s fundamental rights application in the coming days. Meanwhile, ICPC has reiterated its commitment to thorough, transparent, and evidence-based investigation in the public interest.
The development occurs against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of former public officials amid Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts. ICPC, established under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving public officers and institutions.
As investigations continue, the commission has assured that it will uphold due process while pursuing accountability for alleged financial misconduct during el-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State.
