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  • ADC Raises Alarm After Aregbesola, Party Leaders Denied Access to El-Rufai at ICPC

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of obstructing access to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after senior party leaders were denied permission to see him at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The party also alleged that heavily armed security operatives were deployed around the premises during the visit by its delegation.

    Aregbesola, ADC Leaders Denied Access

    In a statement issued on Friday by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said its delegation included former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and Mallam Salihu Lukman.

    According to the statement, the delegation had visited the ICPC headquarters in Abuja to seek access to El-Rufai but was denied entry despite prior communication with the agency.

    “Earlier today, alongside the National Secretary of our party, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Mallam Salihu Lukman, we visited the headquarters of the ICPC in Abuja to see Mallam El-Rufai. Despite prior communication and formal requests, we were denied access without any reasonable explanation,” the party said.

    ADC Alleges Intimidation

    The party further claimed the atmosphere around the ICPC office became tense after several truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the premises.

    According to the ADC, the deployment created the impression that authorities were attempting to intimidate opposition figures.

    “It is deeply troubling that a simple request by senior party officials to visit a detained colleague was met, not with professionalism, but with a show of force,” the statement added.

    The party accused state institutions of increasingly being used as tools for political pressure against opposition voices.

    ICPC Responds

    Reacting to the allegation, ICPC spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, said the court order regarding access to El-Rufai only covered family members, lawyers and doctors.

    “Court order for access to the defendant in our custody is for family members, lawyers and doctors,” he said.

    The Commission also questioned the ADC’s standing regarding visitation rights.

    “Within this context, please what is the ADC?” he added.

    Court Had Granted Bail

    El-Rufai is currently under investigation by the anti-corruption agency over allegations yet to be fully disclosed publicly.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier granted him bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must own property in Maitama or Asokoro and meet other conditions, including proof of federal civil service status and salary records.

    The former governor’s detention has continued to generate political reactions, with opposition figures accusing the government of targeting dissenting voices.

  • El-Rufai’s Son Breaks Silence, Warns Over Father’s Detention Amid Bail Controversy

    Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has reacted strongly to the continued detention of his father, insisting that the family is unafraid of intimidation or pressure.

    Speaking to journalists, the lawmaker said the El-Rufai family would not be silenced, warning that those allegedly responsible for his father’s situation would be held accountable if anything happens to him.

    “We fear no one,” El-Rufai’s son says

    Mohammed stated that the family remains firm despite the ongoing legal and detention issues surrounding the former governor.

    “We, the El-Rufais, fear no one and nothing,” he said.

    He added that any harm that comes to his father would not go unanswered, stressing that those involved in his continued detention should be prepared for consequences.

    “If anything happens to my father, Nasir El-Rufai, those behind his continued detention despite being granted bail should be the ones living in fear,” he said.

    Ongoing detention claims and legal disputes

    Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly been in and out of custody since February 2026 following allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.

    He was said to have first been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after honouring an invitation, before being granted bail days later.

    However, reports claim he was later re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with additional allegations linked to ongoing investigations.

    He has also reportedly faced separate scrutiny from the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime-related offences.

    Family maintains strong stance

    Mohammed insisted that the family would not be intimidated by the situation, maintaining that they will continue to speak out on developments surrounding his father’s detention.

    The comments have since sparked reactions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on the unfolding legal and political drama.

  • El-Rufai Family Raises Alarm Over DSS Transfer, Alleges Court Order Breach in Abuja Custody Dispute

    The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised serious concerns over what they described as a controversial transfer of the former governor to Department of State Services (DSS) custody after his court appearance in Abuja on Monday.

    They alleged that the move was carried out in violation of existing court orders directing that he remain under the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Family Alleges Court Order Breach

    Speaking to journalists outside a DSS facility, El-Rufai’s wife, Hasiat, said the family had been living in fear due to alleged constant surveillance and repeated threats.

    “We now live in constant fear. Every day we get a threat — DSS is coming to raid your house, ICPC is coming to raid your house, police are coming to raid your house. You are being followed. Our phones are tapped,” she said.

    She explained that after appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, El-Rufai was briefly moved during proceedings, despite earlier directives regarding his custody.

    “I Am Not Furniture” — El-Rufai Reportedly Resists Transfer

    Hasiat claimed the former governor resisted being moved to DSS custody, insisting that prior court orders required him to remain with the ICPC.

    “He said to them, I am not going to step down because there are two court orders… Why are you bringing me here? He said, I am not a furniture to be moved,” she stated.

    She further alleged that he was later returned to ICPC custody before being moved again after court proceedings, raising questions about the legality of the transfers.

    “What has changed?” she asked.

    Allegations of Medical Neglect and Long Detention

    The family also claimed that El-Rufai has been in custody for 91 days and has been denied consistent access to his personal doctors despite court approvals.

    Hasiat said medical follow-ups recommended by ICPC-appointed doctors were allegedly not properly implemented, worsening concerns about his health.

    “When you see a doctor and you run tests, you are expected to see the doctor back… He was denied access,” she said.

    Son, Allies Criticise Bail Conditions

    El-Rufai’s son, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, also criticised the bail conditions, describing them as excessive and impractical.

    “Who keeps a person for 91 days? Why were the terms of the bail so stringent?” he asked, questioning requirements tied to civil servants and property documentation.

    Supporters of the former governor also described the situation as psychological pressure, arguing that repeated transfers between agencies amounted to undue hardship.

    Security Update on Custody Status

    However, security sources confirmed that after consultations among legal representatives, El-Rufai was eventually returned to ICPC custody by 5pm on Monday.

    The situation continues to generate public debate as legal proceedings in the case remain ongoing.

  • Sowore Supporters Clash With Security Operatives Outside Kaduna Court as El-Rufai Departs Proceedings

    Tension erupted on Monday outside a court in Kaduna as supporters of activist Omoyele Sowore reportedly clashed with security operatives following the departure of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai from ongoing court proceedings.

    The confrontation created a chaotic scene around the courthouse, with supporters and security personnel jostling in a crowded corridor as proceedings came to an end.

    Tension builds outside courtroom

    Video clips circulating online showed a dense crowd of individuals, including men in suits, traditional attire and security gear, pushing through a narrow hallway outside the court premises.

    Witnesses said the situation escalated shortly after El-Rufai exited the courtroom, triggering a confrontation between opposing groups present at the venue.

    Sowore supporters at centre of confrontation

    Sources described the incident as a clash involving Sowore’s supporters and security operatives deployed around the court area.

    The atmosphere was said to be highly charged, with individuals recording the scene on mobile phones as the confrontation unfolded.

    El-Rufai leaves amid disorder

    El-Rufai, who is currently facing an ongoing corruption trial in Kaduna, reportedly left the court premises as the situation intensified outside.

    The former governor has been at the centre of legal proceedings that have drawn significant political attention and public reactions in recent months.

    Background to ongoing trial

    The case involving El-Rufai has seen multiple adjournments and bail applications, with proceedings now scheduled to continue in June 2026 under accelerated hearing arrangements.

    Activist Omoyele Sowore has also been vocal about the case, criticising delays in bail proceedings and describing strict bail conditions as excessive.

    Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on whether arrests or injuries were recorded during the latest incident.

  • Court Grants El-Rufai ₦100m Bail, Orders Monthly DSS Reporting

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.

    The ruling was delivered on Monday as the court outlined strict conditions the former governor must meet before regaining freedom.

    Court lists strict bail conditions

    Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property at the court registry.

    The court further directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and must provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months.

    According to the court, the documents must be authenticated through a letter from the surety’s bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction.

    The judge also ordered the surety to depose to an affidavit of means, enter into a bail bond and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry.

    El-Rufai to surrender passports

    As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai was ordered to deposit all valid international passports with the court.

    The court also directed that a verification letter from the surety’s department, alongside a six-month tax clearance certificate, must be submitted.

    Justice Abdulmalik additionally ordered the former governor to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the case.

    The judge warned that failure to comply with any of the conditions would lead to automatic revocation of the bail.

    The court also directed El-Rufai to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.

    How El-Rufai’s legal battle started

    The former Kaduna governor was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, before being granted bail two days later.

    He was subsequently re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and had remained in custody pending his arraignment.

  • El-Rufai’s Family Accuses ICPC Of Blocking Doctor, Denying Food Access In Custody

    The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of violating his constitutional rights by allegedly denying him access to medical care and restricting food deliveries while in custody.

    In a statement released on Saturday, Mohammed Bello described the actions of the anti-graft agency as a serious attack on his father’s basic rights.

    Family Raises Alarm Over Medical Access

    According to Bello, El-Rufai’s personal doctor visited the ICPC office on Friday to discuss the outcome of medical tests recently conducted on the former governor.

    “Our father, Mallam Nasir @elrufai, is still being held by the ICPC. Today, 15 May 2026, we witnessed two distinct yet equally serious attacks on his basic rights,” the statement read.

    “First, his personal doctor visited the ICPC at about 3pm to discuss the results of medical tests recently conducted on our father.

    “Officials at the agency blocked the doctor from seeing him, claiming that written permission from the ICPC chairman was required.”

    Bello argued that the decision directly violated an existing court order granting El-Rufai unrestricted access to his doctors.

    Wife Allegedly Denied Access To Deliver Food

    The family also alleged that El-Rufai’s second wife, Assab Aichatou Djibril, was prevented from delivering his dinner at the detention facility.

    According to Bello, ICPC operatives reportedly informed her that food deliveries were not allowed after 6:30pm.

    “This arbitrary rule is no less offensive than blocking his right to medical care,” he stated.

    He described the development as an assault on the rule of law and a violation of the former governor’s constitutional and human rights.

    “No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC. Shame on them as an institution,” he added.

    El-Rufai’s Wife Speaks Out

    In a separate post shared on X, Assab Aichatou Djibril also accused the agency of ignoring a court directive.

    “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s doctor was at the ICPC today, to follow up on medical tests recently taken by his patient,” she wrote.

    “The doctor was prevented from seeing him by operatives who insisted that the doctor must present written approval by their chairman. This is a brazen violation of an explicit court order.”

    She added that she was also denied access when she attempted to deliver dinner to her husband later that evening.

    Background To The Case

    El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

    In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering, while calling for investigations by anti-graft agencies.

    On April 13, 2026, the ICPC arraigned him before the Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.

  • Court Clears El-Rufai for Abuja Treatment Under Tight ICPC Watch

    The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, permission to seek medical treatment in Abuja under strict supervision.

    The approval covers dental and eye care and was confirmed on Wednesday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Court grants supervised medical access

    According to ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey, the court directed the commission to escort El-Rufai to approved medical facilities whenever necessary.

    The facilities listed include Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja, with instructions that he be returned to custody immediately after treatment.

    Application follows bail variation request

    El-Rufai’s legal team had approached the court seeking a variation of his bail conditions to allow access to medical care.

    The prosecution opposed the request, but the court granted it after hearing arguments from both sides.

    Background to ongoing trial

    The former governor was arraigned on March 24 alongside Joel Adoga on charges bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering.

    Both defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court later granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties.

    Fresh bail moves face opposition

    In a related development, the ICPC has opposed a separate bail application filed by El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court.

    The matter was adjourned to May 13 for hearing, while the federal court has also fixed May 7 for further proceedings on the case.

  • DSS Arraigns El-Rufai Over Alleged Wiretapping of Ribadu’s Phone, Files Fresh Charges

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai before a federal high court in Abuja over allegations of illegally accessing the phone conversation of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

    Fresh charges filed in court

    At Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that the charge had been amended from three to five counts.

    Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, subsequently struck out the earlier charges and allowed the amended five-count charge to stand.

    El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

    What led to the case

    The charges are linked to remarks made by el-Rufai in February during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

    He had claimed that individuals aligned with him listened to Ribadu’s phone conversation, alleging that the NSA directed security operatives to arrest him.

    “He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways,” el-Rufai said at the time.

    He further alleged that Ribadu’s phone was tapped and that the information was passed to him.

    Mixed reactions trail allegations

    The comments triggered widespread reactions across Nigeria, with some Nigerians and political stakeholders calling for his arrest over the alleged wiretapping.

    Others, however, argued that the former governor should not be singled out, accusing the government of similar actions against citizens.

    Political tension in the background

    El-Rufai, once a strong ally of President Bola Tinubu, has in recent months been openly critical of the administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His arraignment has been described by opposition figures as politically motivated, though the federal government has denied any witch-hunt.

    The case is expected to continue in court as attention builds around one of the most talked-about developments in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • Court Adjourns El-Rufai Bail Hearing to June as ICPC Prosecution Continues

    A Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026, in an ongoing trial over alleged fraud and abuse of office.

    What happened

    Justice Darius Khobo fixed the new date after El-Rufai appeared before the court last Tuesday for hearing of his bail application on an amended nine-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The judge had earlier scheduled ruling for April 21, 2026, but later adjourned proceedings.

    Details of the case

    El-Rufai was arraigned last week on charges bordering on fraud and abuse of office.

    His counsel, Ukpon Akpan, confirmed the adjournment after Tuesday’s proceedings, describing the delay as politically motivated.

    Earlier bail in separate case

    The former governor had earlier secured bail in a separate corruption case before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.

    Justice Rilwanu Aikawa granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million and ordered that he remain in ICPC custody pending the fulfilment of the conditions.

    As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai was barred from making public comments on the case and must attend all court sittings.

    What it means

    The adjournment means the court will only decide on his latest bail request in June, prolonging legal proceedings in one of the high-profile corruption cases involving a former state governor.

  • El-Rufai Freed on Compassionate Grounds as Mother Dies in Cairo

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has released former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai from custody on compassionate grounds, hours after the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday.

    An aide to the former governor confirmed that the release was approved to allow him to participate in the burial arrangements for his late mother. The ICPC had not issued an official statement on the terms of the temporary release as of the time of this report.

    Son’s reaction

    His son, Bashir El-Rufai, confirmed the development in a post on X, expressing relief while sharply criticising the anti-corruption agency. “My beloved, great legend of a father is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is a lame excuse for a pathetic institution. Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufais,” he wrote.

    Death of Hajiya Umma

    Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, said to be approximately 100 years old, died on Friday after a period of illness in Cairo, Egypt. Her death came barely a week after the passing of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, making Friday’s loss a second bereavement for the El-Rufai family within days.

    Her death was announced by her grandson and member of the House of Representatives, Bello El-Rufai, who described her as a matriarch whose life was devoted to faith and family, and called on Nigerians to pray for the family. The family finds strength in her long and fulfilled life. Similar condolences came from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and other political figures across party lines.

    El-Rufai’s legal battles

    Friday’s temporary release does not resolve the extensive legal proceedings El-Rufai is currently facing across multiple courts in Nigeria.

    The ICPC has accused El-Rufai of unlawfully receiving approximately ₦579 million in severance allowances on two separate occasions, in September 2020 and January 2023, far above the legally entitled sum of approximately ₦20 million. He was formally arraigned alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24, on charges of alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. He pleaded not guilty.

    The court adjourned ruling on his bail application to March 31, 2026. The ICPC has also filed a separate case against him at the Kaduna State High Court involving another defendant, Amadu Sule.

    In a third legal front, the Department of State Services has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, centred on allegations that he unlawfully intercepted phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in violation of the Cybercrimes Act. His arraignment in that matter is scheduled for April 23, 2026.

    El-Rufai’s counter-suits

    El-Rufai has filed counter-suits challenging the authorities’ actions. In one suit, he is seeking ₦1 billion in damages against the ICPC and other agencies over a February 19 raid on his Abuja residence, which he claims was unlawful, and is asking the court to invalidate the search warrant and restrain the use of any evidence obtained. In a separate action against the DSS, he is seeking ₦2 billion in damages and has asked the court to dismiss the wiretapping charges as unconstitutional harassment.

    How the detention began

    El-Rufai’s current legal saga began on February 16, 2026, when he was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦423 billion misappropriation. He was subsequently transferred to ICPC custody on February 18, where he has remained until today’s temporary release.

    El-Rufai is expected to return to ICPC custody following the completion of his mother’s burial rites, with the Federal High Court in Kaduna due to rule on his substantive bail application on March 31. RNN.NG will continue to follow all developments in his case.