ABUJA: Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have raided the Abuja home of former Nasir El-Rufai, intensifying the ongoing anti-corruption investigations involving the former governor.
The raid took place at El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive, Abuja, shortly after he was taken into ICPC custody, following an earlier arrest and subsequent bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) earlier in the week.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that ICPC officials conducted a thorough search of the property as part of ongoing investigations, although the specifics of the probe have not been publicly disclosed.
In a statement, the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, confirmed El-Rufai remained in the agency’s custody as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The statement noted that the detention is “in connection with ongoing investigations, without revealing further details about the allegations.
El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed via social media that the ICPC searched the former governor’s residence, tweeting:
UPDATE: The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the raid, calling it unlawful and a violation of his client’s fundamental rights and due process.
As of the time of reporting, the ICPC had not clarified whether a search warrant was obtained or what items, if any, were seized during the operation.
The development has sparked intense reactions online, with supporters and critics of the former governor engaging in heated debates.
The case highlights the growing scrutiny of high-profile political figures by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and raises questions about procedural compliance in ongoing investigations.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates from ICPC are expected in line with their established protocols.
