ICPC RAIDS EL-RUFAI'S RESIDENCE IN ABUJA AS EX-GOV REMAINS IN CUSTODY

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday conducted a search at the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The development was confirmed in a short statement issued by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye.

According to the statement, ICPC operatives arrived at El-Rufai’s residence at about 2 p.m. and proceeded to carry out a comprehensive search of the property.

Reacting to the action, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the operation, describing it as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights”.

The anti-graft agency had earlier confirmed on Wednesday that the former governor was being held in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.

“Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as of the close of work today, Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 2026. He is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations,” ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, had stated.

The commission, however, did not disclose further details about the investigation.

El-Rufai’s detention comes amid a series of allegations and interactions with security agencies.

Last Friday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain confirmed that he had received an invitation from the ICPC.

“Yesterday, after the futile attempt to abduct me, the ICPC delivered a letter inviting me to their office. My lawyer has written to confirm that I will be attending the ICPC office on Wednesday, 18 February 2026,” El-Rufai wrote on X.

About three days earlier, he had visited the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations of financial impropriety linked to his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.

There were also reports that security operatives attempted to arrest him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.

El-Rufai later alleged that someone had “wiretapped” the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone, which he claimed enabled him to intercept instructions for his arrest.

Following the claim, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against him for allegedly intercepting Ribadu’s phone conversation.

Prosecutors stated that the alleged offence violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.