Temporary relief proved elusive for former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, as his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) late Tuesday night was swiftly followed by his arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai had been with the EFCC since Monday morning after honouring an invitation to respond to allegations of corruption linked to his eight-year administration in Kaduna State. The allegations stem from petitions by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused the former governor of fraud and misappropriation of public funds estimated at over ₦423 billion. Civil society actors and rights activists, including Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju, had also called on anti-graft agencies to investigate claims of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and alleged payments to bandits during his tenure.
The unfolding drama surrounding El-Rufai began days earlier when he reportedly resisted an attempt by security operatives to arrest him last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his return to the country. He insisted on receiving a formal invitation before presenting himself to investigators, a condition that preceded his eventual appearance at the EFCC headquarters.
After spending two nights with EFCC investigators, reports suggested that El-Rufai may have been granted administrative bail. However, any sense of reprieve was short-lived. He was immediately taken into custody by the ICPC, which had also invited him over similar corruption allegations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the ICPC confirmed that the former governor was in its custody as of the close of work. The commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, stated that El-Rufai was being held in connection with ongoing investigations.
“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,” the statement read.
Compounding El-Rufai’s legal troubles is a separate case initiated by the Department of State Service (DSS). On Monday, the DSS filed a three-count charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of alleged cybercrime offences. The charges relate to claims that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Following the attempted airport arrest, El-Rufai had publicly accused the NSA of orchestrating the move against him. In subsequent media appearances, including a live interview on Arise TV Prime Time on February 13, 2026, he claimed knowledge of conversations and actions that allegedly led to his arrest. According to court documents, these statements formed the basis of the DSS charge, marked FCT/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
The DSS alleged that El-Rufai admitted being aware of individuals who intercepted the NSA’s private communications and failed to report them to appropriate authorities. The agency argued that such actions, or omissions, constituted a serious breach of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws and posed a threat to national security. The charges are predicated on provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
As investigations by multiple security and anti-corruption agencies continue, El-Rufai’s situation underscores the intensifying scrutiny of former public office holders in Nigeria. Whether these allegations will culminate in formal prosecutions or convictions remains to be seen, but for now, the former governor’s political and legal battles appear far from over.
