On Thursday, February 19, 2026, operatives from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) conducted a search of the Abuja home belonging to Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State.
Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, confirmed the event in a short statement, noting that the officials reached the house at approximately 2 p.m. to begin their search of the premises.
The former governor’s legal representative, Ubong Akpan, spoke out against the operation, labeling it “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.”
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This search follows the ICPC’s confirmation on Wednesday that El-Rufai was already being held for questioning.
At that time, John Odey, the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, announced: “Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as of the close of work today, Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 2026. He is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations.”
While the agency has not specified the exact nature of the probe, his detention marks the culmination of several recent clashes with security forces.
Prior to his current detention, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain had acknowledged the ICPC’s interest in him.
Following a reported confrontation at the airport upon his return from Egypt, El-Rufai posted on X: “Yesterday, after the futile attempt to abduct me, the ICPC delivered a letter inviting me to their office. My lawyer has written to confirm that I will be attending the ICPC office on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.”
The former governor’s legal troubles are multifaceted. Just days before his current detention, he was at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters regarding claims of financial misconduct during his eight-year term in Kaduna.
Additionally, he faces a three-count charge from the Department of State Services (DSS) related to his public claim that someone had “wiretapped” the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Prosecutors allege this interception is a violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
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