Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai spent a second consecutive night in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, as investigators intensified questioning over an alleged ₦432 billion corruption case linked to his tenure from 2015 to 2023, according to a report by Punch.
El-Rufai had voluntarily reported to the EFCC on Monday, responding to the agency’s invitation for questioning regarding financial transactions, contracts, and other administrative matters during his eight-year administration. Despite his voluntary appearance, the former governor remains in custody while investigators continue to review complex financial records, sources confirmed.
A senior EFCC official told reporters, “El-Rufai is still with us and will be spending another night in custody,” addressing rumours that he had been released. The official added that the commission is meticulously examining contracts and financial records spanning the entirety of El-Rufai’s time in office and may seek a remand order to extend his detention beyond the statutory limit if necessary.
The EFCC’s review reportedly includes a detailed analysis of budget allocations, capital projects, and procurement contracts executed between 2015 and 2023. The agency is also expected to scrutinize any irregularities in financial approvals and project implementations tied to the former governor’s administration.
El-Rufai’s legal counsel, A.U Mustapha, confirmed his client’s continued cooperation with the anti-graft agency. Mustapha described El-Rufai as a law-abiding citizen who voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation without hesitation. He urged the commission to consider granting administrative bail, emphasizing that his client poses no flight risk and has consistently complied with all directives issued by the investigators.
In a statement shared with journalists, Mustapha said, “Our client has always cooperated fully with the EFCC. He voluntarily reported and continues to provide the necessary documents and explanations as requested. He is a law-abiding citizen and should be considered for administrative bail, as there is no risk of flight.”
Observers note that El-Rufai’s extended detention reflects the complexity of the alleged corruption case, which reportedly involves intricate financial transactions and substantial sums of public funds. Analysts say that the EFCC’s thorough review is aimed at ensuring that all aspects of the former governor’s administration are carefully examined before any legal conclusions are drawn.
The former governor’s continued presence at the EFCC headquarters has drawn public attention and sparked debate across media platforms. While some commentators emphasize the need for due process and full compliance with legal procedures, others have raised concerns about the length of pre-trial detention and the necessity of administrative bail in cases involving voluntary cooperation… Discover More
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