The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai in connection with an ongoing investigation into the failed Kaduna light rail project.

El-Rufai was taken into ICPC custody after earlier being held by the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey said the former governor was in the commission’s custody as of February 18, 2026, in connection with ongoing investigations.

El-Rufai is facing a pending trial at the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division over the alleged diversion of N1.3 billion meant for the Kaduna light rail project, which was initiated during his administration but never executed.

According to ICPC, the funds were paid to a joint venture partner, Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nig. Ltd, and later traced to a private account.

Following an application by the commission, the court ordered the temporary forfeiture of N1,373,180,510.07 recovered from the company’s account.

ICPC said the funds were allegedly diverted and moved to secure them through an ex-parte application filed in February 2025.

The commission approached H. Buhari, relying on provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, the Corrupt Practices Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act, and the 1999 Constitution.

The anti-graft agency said investigations into the abandoned project and related financial transactions are ongoing.