ICPC searches El-Rufai’s Abuja residence amid ongoing probe

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday searched the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in what marks the latest development in the ongoing investigation into his administration.

The development was disclosed by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, in a post on his verified X handle, stating: “The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir el-Rufai was today searched by the ICPC.”

The search comes as El-Rufai remains in the custody of the anti-graft agency in Abuja over investigations linked to Kaduna State’s finances during his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.

Reacting to the development, his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the operation, describing it as unlawful and a violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights. He did not state whether the legal team would challenge the search in court or confirm if any items were taken during the operation.

The action adds another layer to the widening multi-agency scrutiny of the former governor’s administration, with both the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) previously engaging him over alleged financial improprieties.

As of press time, the ICPC had not issued an official statement detailing the scope or outcome of the search.