Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai remained in custody until February 19 2026. Authorities held him at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations of money laundering, abuse of office and fraud during his tenure in Kaduna State.
He also faced a separate probe by the Department of State Services on claims of telephone interception linked to national security.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed grave worry over the situation. He demanded that the Federal Government reveal which agency detained El-Rufai. Atiku Abubakar stated the Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity.
It must state clearly which agency is holding him, whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the State Security Service or any other arm of the security establishment.
Additionally reports emerged that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed in detention and officials denied his family access. Atiku Abubakar described these developments as deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.
Atiku Abubakar warned against continued secrecy. He said secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency. Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity access to medical care and access to his family and legal representatives.
He added that if authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai this government will be held accountable Atiku Abubakar declared.
Moreover he cautioned against a growing perception of selective prosecution. Opposition figures faced aggressive pursuit while others escaped scrutiny. Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon, he stated.
On March 23 2026 Atiku Abubakar visited former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami in Abuja. He led a delegation after returning from Umrah. Atiku Abubakar served notice to the authorities detaining former Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and all other political detainees to release them henceforth.
No one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day he stressed. The former Vice President urged swift action to uphold the rule of law and restore public trust.
