The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed claims that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai suffered a nosebleed while in its custody.
ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, said el-Rufai is in stable health and no such incident occurred.
The denial follows allegations by el-Rufai’s aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, who claimed the former governor experienced a health challenge during detention.
Odey explained that el-Rufai remains in ICPC custody because investigations into various allegations against him are ongoing. He will be charged to court once the probe is concluded.
“As soon as we charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction, the charges shall be made known,” Odey said.
“Meanwhile it is totally not true that he is bleeding or bled in our custody as has been rumoured. The allegation that he bled from his nose while in the custody of the ICPC is not true.”
El-Rufai has been held by the ICPC since February 18, 2026, after spending two nights in EFCC custody. Both agencies are investigating him over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted el-Rufai for allegedly diverting N432 billion in public funds and money laundering, recommending his prosecution.
