The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday temporarily released former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, from its custody.
The anti-corruption agency allowed the release so el-Rufai, who has been detained since February 16, 2026, could attend the funeral of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday.
The news of his temporary release was shared by his son, Bashir El-Rufai, through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday.
In the post, Bashir 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.”
He also thanked everyone who supported the family during their difficult time, saying, “Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufais.”
El-Rufai was first invited for questioning by the EFCC on February 16 and held until February 18, when the ICPC took him into custody.
He spent over a month with the ICPC before being arraigned earlier this week at the Kaduna division of the Federal High Court.
He was arraigned alongside Joel Adoga on charges related to alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the single-count charge concerning deposits into domiciliary accounts and handling of earnings. The court adjourned ruling on his bail application to March 31, 2026, and he remains in custody.
In a separate case, the ICPC has also filed charges against El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule, at the Kaduna State High Court.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has brought a three-count charge against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case relates to alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in breach of the Cybercrimes Act.
