ICPC Searches El-Rufai’s Abuja Home Amid Ongoing Investigation
Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday searched the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
The development was confirmed in a brief statement by his media adviser, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye.
According to the statement, ICPC officials arrived at El-Rufai’s residence at about 2 p.m. and immediately commenced a search of the property.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Mr. Ubong Akpan, condemned the action, describing it as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights”.
On Wednesday, 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,” the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. John Odey, stated.
The Commission did not disclose further details regarding the nature of the investigation.
El-Rufai’s detention follows a series of allegations and engagements with security agencies.
Last Friday, the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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, the former governor had visited the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Reports also emerged that security operatives attempted to arrest him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.
El-Rufai subsequently alleged that someone had “wiretapped” the phone of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, enabling him to intercept instructions for his arrest.
The Department of State Services (DSS) later filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai for allegedly intercepting Ribadu’s telephone conversation.
Prosecutors said the allegation contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
