JUST IN: ICPC Detains Nasir El-Rufai After DSS Arrest Over Kaduna Light Rail Probe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody as investigations continue into the failed Kaduna light rail project.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed that El-Rufai was in the commission’s custody as of the close of work on February 18, 2026. The commission said the detention is connected to ongoing investigations.

El-Rufai was earlier arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is currently facing trial before the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, over allegations linked to the N1.3 billion joint venture light rail project initiated during his administration.

Court Orders Temporary Forfeiture of N1.37bn

The ICPC recently secured an interim forfeiture order for N1,373,180,510.07, described as part of funds allocated to the Kaduna light rail scheme. The order was granted by Justice H. Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna.

According to court filings, the funds were traced to an account belonging to Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited and were recovered into the commission’s account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The commission alleged that the money was diverted into a private account during the execution of a joint venture agreement for the construction of a light rail system in Kaduna. Investigators said the account received a total of N11.09 billion in tranches between December 2016 and January 2017 from various Kaduna State Government accounts.

The ICPC further stated that the company’s bank account was opened before it was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in May 2017. The entire N11.09 billion, according to the affidavit filed by the commission, was disbursed before the company’s incorporation was completed.

The court granted the commission’s ex-parte motion dated February 14, 2025, ordering temporary forfeiture of the N1.37 billion and directing the publication of notices inviting interested parties to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. The matter was adjourned to April 8, 2025, for hearing.

Investigators maintain that no light rail project was executed despite the release of funds. The ICPC has indicated that, if permanently forfeited, the recovered money would be returned to the Kaduna State Government for public use.

El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the latest development as of press time.