Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, conducted a search of the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Thursday.
The raid was confirmed by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, who stated that ICPC operatives arrived around 2 p.m. and immediately began inspecting the entire property.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the action, calling it unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.
Earlier, on Wednesday, February 18, the ICPC confirmed that El-Rufai was 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,” said John Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications at ICPC.
No further details regarding the case have been disclosed.
El-Rufai’s detention comes amid multiple interactions with security agencies.
On Friday, February 13, he revealed that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain had received an ICPC invitation.
“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.
Days earlier, he had visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, headquarters in Abuja over alleged financial irregularities during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023.
It was gathered that security operatives attempted to arrest him after returning from Cairo, Egypt.
El-Rufai later claimed that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been wiretapped, allowing him to intercept instructions for his arrest.
Following this, the Department of State Services, DSS, filed a three-count charge against him for allegedly intercepting Ribadu’s phone conversation, citing Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
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