Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has spent a second night in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), amid growing controversy over the search of his Abuja residence.
El-Rufai was first detained on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and released late Wednesday. However, shortly after regaining his freedom, he was taken into custody by the ICPC, where he has remained since Wednesday night.
ICPC Confirms Detention, Withholds Details
An ICPC official confirmed on Thursday that the former governor was still being held but declined to reveal the specific allegations under investigation.
“He is still very much with us. I can’t say the offence he is being investigated for,” the source stated, noting that further details could not be disclosed at this stage.
Before his arrest, El-Rufai had written to the commission through his lawyers, expressing his willingness to honour an invitation scheduled for Tuesday. The development followed an earlier incident at the airport where operatives of the Department of State Services reportedly seized his passport.
Alleged Kaduna Light Rail Probe
Although the ICPC has not officially stated the focus of its investigation, unverified reports suggest the probe may be linked to the controversial N11.1bn Joint Venture Kaduna light rail project. Independent confirmation of this claim remains unavailable.
Attempts to contact ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, for clarification were unsuccessful.
Lawyer Condemns Aso Drive Residence Search
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, disclosed on X that ICPC operatives searched the former governor’s Aso Drive residence in Abuja.
According to Adekeye, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, described the search as unlawful and a violation of due process and fundamental rights, intensifying debate over the legality of the anti-corruption agency’s actions.
The ICPC has yet to release a comprehensive statement outlining the scope of its investigation.
