ICPC detains El-Rufai amid ongoing probe

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 an ongoing investigation.

The confirmation came in a statement issued just before midnight on Wednesday and signed by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications and spokesperson of the Commission.

“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. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations,” Odey stated.

The Commission did not disclose further details regarding the nature of the investigation or indicate how long the former governor may remain in custody.

The development comes amid ongoing probes linked to alleged financial transactions and projects executed during El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.

Prior to the ICPC’s confirmation, El-Rufai had been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over matters reportedly connected to alleged financial dealings estimated at N432 billion.

Although the EFCC did not formally outline the specifics of its inquiry, sources indicated that the interrogation formed part of a broader anti-corruption review.

As of press time, the ICPC has not provided additional updates on the status of the investigation.