The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has released former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, after over a month in custody.
El-Rufai had been detained by the anti-graft agency since February 19, 2026, following his arrest shortly after he was released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he had been interrogated for 48 hours.
The ICPC had arraigned him on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering before a Federal High Court in Kaduna. The court had adjourned his bail application to March 31.
However, his release came hours after the death of his mother in Cairo, Egypt, fueling indications that the decision may have been based on compassionate grounds.
An ally of the former governor confirmed the development but declined to provide further details.
His son, Bashir El-Rufai, also confirmed the release in an emotional post.
“Alhamdulillah. My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful & 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-Rufai’s always do,” he wrote on his X account.
Family sources said the remains of the late matriarch are expected to arrive from Cairo on Saturday.
El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations levelled against him.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
