ICPC Searches El-Rufai’s Abuja Home Amid Multi-Agency Corruption Investigation

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

ICPC Searches El-Rufai’s Abuja Home Amid Multi-Agency Corruption Investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday raided the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as part of an ongoing multi-agency investigation into alleged financial irregularities during his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.

El-Rufai’s Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the operation on his verified X account, stating: “The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC.” The former governor has been held by the ICPC since Wednesday night in connection with the probe. Legal representatives, led by Ubong Akpan, condemned the raid, describing it as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.” It was not immediately clear if the ICPC seized any documents or other materials during the search.

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The search at El-Rufai’s Abuja home forms part of a broader multi-agency investigation involving the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, probing the former governor’s financial dealings and alleged irregularities in public contracts awarded during his administration. Earlier this week, El-Rufai was questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and detained for two nights over suspected financial misconduct. Following his release on administrative bail by the EFCC, he was taken into ICPC custody. In addition, the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly detained him in relation to a separate cybercrime case, involving allegations that he unlawfully intercepted a telephone conversation of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, which El-Rufai has publicly denied.

The raid has sparked widespread public attention and political reaction. Protests demanding accountability and transparency were staged outside anti-graft agency offices in Abuja, while civil society groups in Kaduna called for thorough investigations into the former governor’s administration. Political supporters argue the investigations are politically motivated, while critics emphasize the importance of following due process and ensuring justice.

The ICPC has not issued an official statement detailing the scope of the raid, as investigations remain ongoing. Authorities insist that all procedures are being carried out in accordance with Nigerian law, and that the probe will continue to uncover any alleged financial misconduct linked to El-Rufai’s tenure.