ICPC raids El-Rufai’s Abuja home amid ongoing investigation

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have reportedly raided the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The development comes shortly after El-Rufai was arrested by the ICPC following his release on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It was earlier gathered that ICPC officials took custody of the former governor on Wednesday after he had honoured an invitation from the EFCC on Monday and was subsequently granted bail.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey, confirmed that El-Rufai was in the commission’s 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.”

While the commission did not provide details of the specific allegations under investigation, it assured the public that further updates would be communicated in line with its mandate and established procedures.

On Thursday night, Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesperson to the former governor, disclosed via social media that El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive in Abuja was searched by ICPC operatives.

“UPDATE: The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC,” Adekeye stated.

Reacting to the development, Ubong Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, described the action as unlawful and alleged that it constituted a violation of legal procedures and the former governor’s fundamental rights.