Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai
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, in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Muyiwa Adekeye, the media adviser to the former governor, who said the operation took place in Abuja earlier in the day.
Reacting to the development, one of El-Rufai’s legal representatives, Ubong Akpan, strongly criticised the action, describing it as unlawful and a breach of due process and fundamental human rights.
According to him, the search was carried out without proper legal authorization, adding that his client would explore all legal options to challenge what he termed an abuse of power.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the operation is linked to alleged financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
It was also gathered that the former governor had earlier been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before being released on administrative bail, after which the ICPC reportedly took over aspects of the investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had yet to issue an official statement detailing the outcome of the search or the next steps in the probe.
Observers said the latest development has intensified public interest in the investigation, as anti-corruption agencies continue their efforts to address allegations of financial impropriety involving public office holders.
