Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have raided the Abuja residence of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, following his arrest after being granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall how ICPC officials picked up El-Rufai after the former governor was granted bail by the EFCC on Wednesday.
The former governor had honoured an invitation from the EFCC on Monday. However, after being granted bail by the EFCC on Wednesday, he was immediately taken into custody by the ICPC.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey, disclosed that El-Rufai was with the commission.
“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 ICPC did not disclose specific details of the investigation, it noted that further updates would be provided in due course, in line with its mandate and established procedures.
On Thursday night, Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesman of El-Rufai, posted on social media that the Aso Drive residence of the former governor was raided.
“UPDATE: The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC,” Adekeye stated.
According to the statement, Ubong Akpan, Malam El-Rufai’s lawyer, condemned the action “as unlawful, and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.”
The ICPC has not yet responded to the lawyer’s condemnation or provided further details about the search operation at the former governor’s residence.
The development marks an escalation in the investigation of the former Kaduna State governor, with two separate anti-corruption agencies now involved in probing his activities.
