A week after voluntarily reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), his media aide has confirmed.
In a statement shared on X on Monday night, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, said the former governor initially reported to the EFCC on the morning of Monday, February 16, 2026, responding to an official invitation. He was held by the EFCC until the night of February 18, when he was transferred to ICPC custody.
“As at today, his lawyers have not received any response from the ICPC to their application for bail, nor have they been presented with any remand order, even though the 48-hour period for holding an individual without charge has elapsed,” Adekeye stated.
Pending Court Proceedings
The aide revealed that two court matters involving El-Rufai are scheduled this week. The first, a fundamental rights suit against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS), is set for hearing on February 25 at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. The suit seeks an order granting him bail.
El-Rufai is also scheduled for arraignment on the same date over charges filed by the DSS, which have attracted wide public attention.
Challenge to Abuja Home Search
In addition, El-Rufai has approached the Federal High Court to contest the legality of a search conducted at his Abuja residence on February 19. According to Adekeye, the former governor is seeking a declaration that the search warrant is invalid due to “lack of particularity, drafting errors, ambiguous execution parameters, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause.”
The suit further requests that the court rule the search violated El-Rufai’s fundamental rights and prevent authorities from using any items seized during the operation in any proceedings against him.
El-Rufai Remains in ICPC Custody Eight Days After Voluntary Report, Lawyers Yet to Receive Bail
