Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday conducted a search at the residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The search was confirmed by El-Rufai’s media aide, while one of his legal representatives criticised the action, describing it as unlawful and a violation of due process and fundamental rights.
The development followed El-Rufai’s continued detention by the ICPC after he was earlier granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-corruption agency confirmed that the former governor remained in its custody as of February 18, 2026, in connection with ongoing investigations.
According to the commission, El-Rufai is being held as part of an investigation, though specific details of the case were not disclosed. The ICPC assured the public that the probe is being carried out in line with the rule of law and that further updates would be provided when necessary.
This comes amid a series of legal challenges facing the former governor. Earlier in the week, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed cybercrime charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations linked to phone interception.
The charges stem from comments El-Rufai made during a recent television interview, where he alleged that the National Security Adviser’s phone was tapped and claimed he overheard instructions directing security agencies to detain him. He also recounted an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where security operatives allegedly attempted to arrest him and briefly seized his international passport.
Following the interview, prosecutors accused El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting communications, failing to report illegal surveillance activities, and endangering public safety and national security. The alleged offences were said to contravene Nigeria’s cybercrime and telecommunications laws.
No date has been fixed for his arraignment, and El-Rufai has yet to publicly respond to the charges. The unfolding situation has continued to generate debate over the legal and political implications of the actions taken against the former governor.
