ICPC Delays Response to El-Rufai's Bail Application

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has not received a response regarding his bail application submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), as stated by his aide, Muyiwa Adekey. El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, following an invitation.

He was held by the EFCC until February 18, when he was transferred to the ICPC. Despite a 48-hour window for holding individuals without charge expiring, no remand order was issued.

El-Rufai is scheduled for arraignment on February 25, 2026, in the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where he faces charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, has criticized the ongoing detention as unlawful and noted that access to family and legal counsel has been restricted.

El-Rufai has also filed a suit in the Federal High Court on February 23, seeking to declare the search warrant executed at his residence invalid due to lack of specificity and probable cause.