Ex-Gov. El-Rufai in our custody, DSS confirms

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 in connection with an ongoing investigation.

John Odey, the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson, stated that El-Rufai remained in the Commission’s custody as of the close of work on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as of the 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 ICPC statement read.

The anti-corruption agency did not provide additional details regarding the specific nature of the case.

His detention follows a series of allegations and recent interactions with security agencies. Last Friday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain confirmed he had been invited by the ICPC.

“Yesterday, after the futile attempt to abduct me, the ICPC delivered a letter to invite me to their office. My lawyer has written to confirm that I will be attending the ICPC office on Wednesday, 18 February 2026,” the former governor posted on his X account.

Approximately three days ago, El-Rufai visited the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations of financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023.

Two years ago, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering. Lawmakers subsequently called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.

Days ago, reports emerged that security operatives attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. The former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain subsequently claimed that someone had “wiretapped” the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to overhear instructions for his arrest.

This allegation led the Department of State Services (DSS) to file a three-count charge against El-Rufai for allegedly intercepting Ribadu’s phone conversation. Prosecutors contend that the allegation violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the DSS accused El-Rufai of claiming knowledge of an individual who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s communications while failing to report the person to security agencies—an act contrary to Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.

The third count alleges that El-Rufai and unidentified individuals still at large used technical equipment or systems in a manner that compromised public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, contravening Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

No date has been fixed for his arraignment on these charges.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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