The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, by J. Okor Odey, the head Media and Public Communications /Spokesperson of the ICPC, the anti-corruption agency stated that El-Rufai remains with its investigators as inquiries continue, though it did not disclose specific details of the allegations under review.
“The Commission can confirm that Malam Nasir El-Rufai is in our custody in relation to ongoing investigations,” the ICPC said, adding that further updates would be provided as appropriate.
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The confirmation follows earlier reports that El-Rufai had spent two nights at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he had presented himself for questioning over alleged financial improprieties linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
Minutes after he was granted bail, operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) arrested him again.
Sources indicate that after his engagement with the EFCC, which reportedly granted him administrative bail, he was subsequently taken into custody by the ICPC as part of a separate or related investigation.
While the ICPC has not publicly outlined the precise nature of the allegations, the development comes against the backdrop of previous calls for scrutiny of financial transactions and project expenditures during El-Rufai’s administration. The former governor has consistently maintained that he acted within the law during his time in office.
El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed that his principal has been cooperating with investigative authorities. According to him, the former governor honoured invitations from anti-graft agencies and engaged with officials in what he described as professional interactions.
Legal analysts note that custody during an investigation does not automatically imply guilt, stressing that charges must be formally filed in court for prosecution to commence. As of press time, no formal charge sheet has been made public.
Political observers say the ICPC’s confirmation adds a significant layer to the unfolding situation, given El-Rufai’s prominence in national politics and his recent political realignments. However, the commission has emphasised that its actions are guided strictly by its statutory mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences.
With the ICPC now formally acknowledging his detention, attention turns to whether the commission will grant administrative bail, file charges in court, or release further details regarding the scope of its investigation.