JUST IN: ICPC confirms arrest of El-Rufai over ongoing investigation
The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been confirmed to be in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria has confirmed the arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai amid an ongoing investigation into potential corruption. The announcement was made by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey, who stated that El-Rufai remains in their custody as investigations are underway. Previously, El-Rufai had submitted himself to another anti-graft body, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), indicating his willingness to cooperate; however, the circumstances leading to his arrest by the ICPC have not been fully disclosed. The arrest signals a significant turn in the scrutiny of former officials in Nigeria, particularly in the wake of increasing calls for accountability within the government. The implication of this arrest could have broader ramifications for Nigeriaβs political landscape as El-Rufai had been a prominent figure in Kaduna politics and was a key ally in former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. His detention could potentially lead to further investigations into systemic corruption in Nigerian politics, impacting public trust in governance and political accountability.