El-Rufai Freed After Weeks in Detention, Family Confirms

El-Rufai Freed After Weeks in Detention, Family Confirms

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been released from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), according to his son, Bashir El-Rufai.

Bashir disclosed the development in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, stating that his father had regained freedom after weeks in detention. In the emotional post, he described the detention as unlawful and criticised the anti-graft agency, while expressing gratitude to supporters who stood by the family during the period.

“My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention… Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome,” he wrote.

The former governor had been in ICPC custody since February 18, following his invitation and subsequent detention over allegations bordering on financial misconduct, abuse of office, and contract-related transactions during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023. Sources familiar with the probe indicate that investigators have been reviewing records linked to public expenditure, infrastructure contracts, and other administrative decisions taken while he was in office.

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Although the ICPC has yet to issue an official statement confirming the terms of his release, it is understood that El-Rufai may have been granted administrative bail, pending the continuation of investigations. Anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria often release suspects under such conditions while further evidence is being compiled.

The development has sparked political reactions across the country, with supporters describing the probe as politically motivated, while critics insist that the investigation reflects growing efforts by authorities to enforce accountability in public office. Analysts note that the case could test the strength of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and their willingness to investigate high-profile political figures.

In a tragic twist, the release comes on the same day the former governor lost his mother, Umma El-Rufai, who reportedly passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. The family has yet to release full details surrounding her death, but the development has drawn condolences from political allies and associates.

El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, has not issued an official statement regarding his release or the allegations against him. However, sources close to him insist he has cooperated with investigators and is prepared to defend his record.

The ICPC is expected to continue its investigation, and the former governor may be required to appear again for further questioning as the case progresses.

El-Rufai Freed After Weeks in Detention, Family Confirms