Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday conducted a search at the Abuja home of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The development was disclosed in a short statement issued by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye.
According to the statement, officials of the anti-graft agency arrived at the residence at approximately 2 p.m. and proceeded to carry out a comprehensive search of the premises.
El-Rufai’s legal representative, Ubong Akpan, criticised the operation, characterising it as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights”.
A day earlier, the ICPC had confirmed that the former governor was being held in its custody as part of an ongoing probe.
“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, John Odey, stated.
The Commission, however, did not disclose specific details regarding the allegations under investigation.
Series of Allegations and Security Engagements
El-Rufai’s detention comes after a succession of allegations and interactions with various security and anti-corruption agencies.
Last Friday, the prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) acknowledged that he had received an official 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 posted on X.
Roughly three days before that development, he had appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja to address accusations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
There were also reports alleging that security personnel attempted to detain him shortly after he returned from Cairo, Egypt.
Subsequently, El-Rufai alleged that an individual had “wiretapped” the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, which he claimed allowed him to intercept directives relating to his arrest.
Following that claim, the Department of State Services (DSS) initiated a three-count charge against the former governor, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting Ribadu’s telephone communication.
Prosecutors stated that the alleged act violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The unfolding developments signal escalating legal and political tensions surrounding the former Kaduna State governor as multiple agencies continue their investigations.
What you should know
The ICPC has searched Nasir El-Rufai’s Abuja residence and confirmed he is in custody over an ongoing investigation, though the nature of the allegations has not been publicly disclosed.
His detention follows prior engagements with the EFCC, an ICPC invitation, and claims involving alleged wiretapping of the National Security Adviser’s phone.
The DSS has also filed charges related to alleged violations of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.
