Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai had earlier spent 48 hours at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was reportedly arrested by the ICPC after being granted bail.

Initial reports suggested that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested him over allegations of wiretapping the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. However, the ICPC later clarified that he is in its custody in connection with ongoing investigations.

In a statement signed by its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the commission confirmed that El-Rufai was in custody as of February 18, 2026, but did not disclose the specific nature of the investigation.

The DSS had earlier filed a three-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing El-Rufai of violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The charges followed comments he allegedly made during a February 13 appearance on ARISE TV, where he claimed that someone intercepted phone conversations involving the NSA and relayed the details to him. He was accused of unlawful interception, failing to report those allegedly involved, and using technical systems that could compromise public safety.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has also faced allegations of financial impropriety. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly reportedly indicted him over the alleged diversion of ₦423 billion and recommended investigation by anti-graft agencies. He denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit challenging the assembly’s findings.

The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the legal and political challenges confronting the former governor.