The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission says it lawfully obtained an ICPC 14-day detention order El-Rufai from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, to enable further investigation into allegations against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The remand order, granted on February 19, 2026, is due to expire on March 5, 2026.
Remand order and custody timeline
In an affidavit deposed to by Litigation Officer David Efuk before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the commission stated that El-Rufai was released by the EFCC to the DSS on February 18 before being handed over to ICPC custody.
The commission said it secured the remand order the following day to retain him for 14 days pending investigation.
ICPC denied allegations of arbitrary detention and insisted the custody was backed by a valid court order.
Search operation and recovered items
According to the affidavit, ICPC operatives executed a search warrant on February 19 at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja.
The commission said the search was witnessed by El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.
Investigators claimed they retrieved electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations, along with what were described as sensitive security documents belonging to various government agencies.
The affidavit further stated that El-Rufai was asked to grant consent for access to the equipment but declined.
ICPC also referenced a previous television interview in which the former governor reportedly admitted to tapping conversations involving the National Security Adviser.
Financial allegations listed in petition
The petition prompting the investigation alleges:
- €1.4 million in foreign currency withdrawals with unclear purpose
- 180 suspicious payments totalling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State IGR
- Transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18
- Use of a debit card on a revenue account totalling N721,672,854.88
- Alleged diversion of N393,752,670.05 to individuals and companies
- Questions over domestic loans of N98.912 billion
- Foreign loans exceeding $7.3 billion
- Alleged violations of Kaduna State procurement and financial regulations
The commission said preliminary investigations involved retrieval of documents from banks and government institutions.
Non-cooperation claim and witness concerns
ICPC told the court that El-Rufai declined to respond to interviews during preliminary investigations, opting to remain silent until arraignment.
The commission also alleged that one potential prosecution witness wrote seeking protection and claimed that an aide linked to the investigation had left the country.
ICPC said it undertakes to file formal charges before the remand period expires.
El-Rufai’s sworn position
In a statement on oath, El-Rufai described the investigation as political persecution linked to his opposition affiliation.
He stated that, on advice of counsel, he would exercise his right to silence until presented before a competent court.
“I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law,” he said, adding that he believes a judicial tribunal, not investigative questioning, is the appropriate forum.
What happens after March 5
The detention order lapses on March 5, 2026.
At that point, the ICPC may file charges, seek an extension or release him, depending on the status of investigations.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is expected to rule on El-Rufai’s fundamental human rights enforcement application, in which he seeks release and dismissal of the probe.
The matter now rests before the courts.
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