Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday spent a second night in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as his lawyers protested the search of his residence.
El-Rufai was initially detained on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and released late Wednesday. He was, however, immediately taken into custody by the ICPC, where he has remained since.
Before his arrest, the former governor had written to the ICPC through his lawyers, indicating his willingness to honour an invitation scheduled for Tuesday. This followed an incident at the airport where his passport was reportedly seized by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
An ICPC official confirmed on Thursday night that El-Rufai was still in the commission’s custody but declined to provide details of the investigation.
“He is still very much with us. I can’t say the offence he is being investigated for. I have not really been in the office, but I was informed that the former Kaduna State governor is still with us,” the source said.
El-Rufai Remains in ICPC Custody
The ICPC had earlier confirmed taking custody of El-Rufai on Wednesday night, but similarly refused to disclose the offence under investigation.
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There have been unverified claims that the probe is linked to the failed N11.1 billion Joint Venture Kaduna light rail project, but efforts to independently confirm this were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said on X that ICPC operatives searched the former governor’s residence on Aso Drive, Abuja.
According to him, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the action, describing it as unlawful and a violation of due process and fundamental rights.
“The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC. Ubong Akpan, Malam El-Rufai’s lawyer, condemned the action as unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights,” Adekeye wrote.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
