El-Rufai Released From ICPC Custody After Mother’s Death

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has released former governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.

El-Rufai was in ICPC custody since February 19, 2026 after being grilled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ICPC had arraigned him on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.

He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna, which adjourned his application for bail till March 31.

But hours after his mother died in Cairo, Egypt, the anti-graft agency freed the former governor, who has denied all the allegations leveled against him.

Bashir El-Rufai, the former governor’s son, also confirmed that his father had been set free.

He wrote: “My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution. Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufais.”

As of this report, the ICPC has yet to issue an official statement regarding the terms of his temporary release or the next steps in its investigation.

Meanwhile, many observed that the release is on compassionate grounds as the remains of the former governor’s mother would be flown in from Cairo on Saturday for burial.