ICPC Raids El-Rufai’s Abuja Home as Investigation Deepens

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission searched the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Thursday, intensifying an investigation that has drawn national attention.

His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the development, stating that officials arrived at the property in the afternoon and carried out what he described as a thorough sweep of the premises.

According to sources close to the former governor, the search commenced shortly after the anti-graft team gained access to the compound. 

No official inventory of items recovered, if any, has been made public.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan, criticised the operation. 

He said the action was procedurally flawed and inconsistent with constitutional safeguards.

“This operation does not align with established legal standards,” the lawyer said. 

“Our client is entitled to due process, and we are prepared to challenge any deviation from that principle.”

Earlier, the commission confirmed that the former governor was being held in connection with an ongoing inquiry.

The agency’s spokesperson, John Odey, said El-Rufai remained in custody as of the close of business on Wednesday, adding that the detention was linked to active investigations. 

However, the ICPC declined to specify the allegations under review.

The unfolding events follow a sequence of engagements between El-Rufai and multiple security agencies.

Days before his detention, he disclosed that he had received a formal invitation from the commission. 

In a post shared on social media, the former governor said he would honour the invitation through his legal representatives.

Furthermore, he had earlier visited the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations bordering on financial conduct during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.

Reports also surfaced alleging attempts by security operatives to apprehend him upon his return from Cairo. 

El-Rufai subsequently claimed that communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were unlawfully monitored in a development that later triggered further legal action.

In response, the Department of State Services filed a three-count charge accusing him of intercepting a protected communication. 

Prosecutors argued that the alleged act contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

As of press time, authorities have yet to outline the full scope of the investigation. 

Nonetheless, the case is expected to test the boundaries of anti-corruption enforcement and due process within Nigeria’s evolving legal framework.