The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has released Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State.
El-Rufai had remained in ICPC detention since February 19, 2026, following his arrest shortly after he was released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was interrogated for 48 hours.
The anti-graft agency had earlier arraigned him on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering. He was subsequently brought before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, which adjourned the hearing of his bail application until March 31.
However, the commission released the former governor hours after the death of his mother in Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai has consistently denied all the allegations leveled against him.
An ally of the former governor confirmed his release but did not provide further details. Bashir El-Rufai, the former governor’s son, also confirmed that his father had been set free.
Family sources indicated that the decision to release him may be on compassionate grounds, as arrangements are underway to fly the remains of his mother back from Cairo on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Bola Tinubu, Uba Sani, and Nuhu Ribadu have all condoled with El-Rufai over his mother’s death.
Their reactions have sparked mixed responses on social media, with some commentators describing the situation surrounding the former governor as a private matter among political elites.