Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been held in detention for eight days without a remand order, his legal team has revealed. Lawyers say the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has not responded to a formal bail application, despite the 48-hour legal limit for holding a person without charge having expired.
El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16th February 2026 following an invitation, and was held in EFCC custody until 18th February before being transferred to ICPC. His lawyers claim the transfer occurred without explanation or documentation, including any formal remand order, and describe the detention as “unlawful.”
The former governor is involved in multiple legal matters this week. On 25th February, the FCT High Court is scheduled to hear his fundamental rights suit against the Federal Government, ICPC, EFCC, and DSS, seeking bail. On the same date, he is slated for arraignment on charges filed by the DSS, which have drawn widespread public attention.
El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive was searched by ICPC officials on 19th February, prompting him to file a Federal High Court suit challenging the warrant. The suit alleges the warrant was defective, overbroad, ambiguous, and lacked probable cause, and seeks an injunction against the use of items seized during the search in any proceeding.
During detention, family members reportedly faced difficulties delivering meals, and El-Rufai experienced a nasal bleeding episode. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the handling as a violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights, while ICPC has continued interrogations without granting bail or providing formal explanations for the ongoing detention.
