Earlier reports indicated that El-Rufai honoured an invitation by the EFCC on Monday before being granted bail. However, he was subsequently picked up by ICPC operatives on Wednesday.
Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have raided the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, deepening the anti-corruption probe surrounding the embattled politician.
The late-night operation targeted El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive, Abuja, shortly after he was taken into custody by the ICPC following his earlier arrest and bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Sources familiar with the development said ICPC officials conducted a search of the property as part of ongoing investigations whose details have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Earlier reports indicated that El-Rufai honoured an invitation by the EFCC on Monday before being granted bail. However, he was subsequently picked up by ICPC operatives on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the commission confirmed that the former governor was in its custody.
“The Commission wishes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as at the close of work today, Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 2026,” the statement read.
“He is in the custody of the Commission in connection with ongoing investigations.”
The anti-corruption agency, however, declined to disclose the nature of the allegations, stating that further updates would be provided in line with established procedures.
Confirming the search operation on Thursday night, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, disclosed via social media that ICPC operatives searched the former governor’s residence.
Reacting to the development, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the raid, describing it as unlawful and a violation of due process and his client’s fundamental rights.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had yet to release an official statement detailing whether a search warrant was obtained or what items, if any, were recovered during the operation.
The unfolding investigation has sparked intense political reactions online, with supporters and critics trading accusations as Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies intensify scrutiny of high-profile political figures.
COURTESY: SaharaReporters
