By Adeyemi David
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has searched the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as investigations into alleged financial misconduct continue to unfold.
Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to the former governor, confirmed on Thursday that ICPC officials conducted a search at El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive, Abuja.
His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, described the action as unlawful, alleging that it violated established legal procedures and fundamental rights.
The development comes barely 24 hours after El-Rufai was reportedly detained by the ICPC on Wednesday night in connection with ongoing investigations.
Prior to that, he had allegedly spent two nights in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before being transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS).
El-Rufai had presented himself at the EFCC headquarters on Monday following an invitation for questioning over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
The probe is linked to findings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which in 2024 accused the former governor of diverting N423 billion in public funds and engaging in money laundering.
The Assembly subsequently recommended that anti-graft agencies investigate the allegations.
Security operatives had earlier attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after his arrival from Cairo.
He later alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, directed the ICPC to instruct the DSS to arrest him.
In a television interview, El-Rufai claimed he overheard a telephone conversation in which the National Security Adviser allegedly ordered his arrest, stating that the communication had been intercepted.
Meanwhile, the DSS has reportedly filed a three-count charge against him, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser.
As of press time, the ICPC has yet to issue an official statement detailing the outcome of the search at the former governor’s residence.
