ICPC Temporarily Releases El-Rufai for Mother's Burial

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) temporarily released former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai from custody to attend the funeral rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, on February 16, 2026. This release was confirmed by his son, Bashir El-Rufai, via a video post.

El-Rufai has been in custody since his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, and was subsequently detained by the ICPC. He faces charges related to the alleged conversion and possession of public property and money laundering, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

His bail application is scheduled for a ruling on March 31, 2026, while he remains in custody. Additionally, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed three counts against him in a separate case concerning alleged unlawful interception of communications, violating the Cybercrime Act.