Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has described his ongoing investigation and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as politically motivated, claiming the actions are linked to his involvement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
El-Rufai, who has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 after being transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), maintains that the allegations against him are a form of persecution rather than a legitimate anti-corruption effort.
Refusal to Respond Outside Court
In written submissions dated February 19 and 20, reportedly made while in detention, the former governor declined to respond to the substance of the allegations presented by investigators. He argued that after nearly two years of inquiry, the commission should submit its findings before a competent court instead of seeking explanations from him directly.
El-Rufai stated that he would only address any accusations in a judicial setting, insisting that the matter should be determined by a judge. Citing legal advice, he invoked his constitutional right to remain silent during questioning.
According to court filings by the ICPC, he has consistently refused to answer substantive questions put to him, maintaining his position that the investigation lacks impartiality.
Arrest Attempts and Search Operations
In a counter-affidavit, ICPC prosecutor David Efuk disclosed that the commission, working alongside operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), initially attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 5 upon his return from Egypt. The effort was unsuccessful, as he reportedly declined to accompany officials without a formal written invitation.
Authorities later sought to serve him an invitation letter and eventually traced him to his Abuja residence, requesting his appearance on February 13. Through his legal representatives, he asked to reschedule for February 18. However, before that date, he was detained by the EFCC and subsequently handed over to the ICPC on February 19.
On the same day of his transfer, ICPC operatives executed a search warrant at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja. The commission claimed that items recovered during the search included sensitive security-related documents and electronic devices allegedly capable of intercepting communications.
Disputed Evidence
El-Rufai’s son, Mohammed El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, dismissed the commission’s assertions. He stated that only personal electronic devices such as old mobile phones, laptops and flash drives were taken, describing claims of phone-tapping equipment as unfounded.
Allegations Under Investigation
The ICPC has indicated that the investigation stems from a petition submitted in June 2024 by Nus’ab Chambers. The petition reportedly alleges diversion of public funds, loan mismanagement and breaches of procurement regulations during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
Investigators say they have gathered financial records and documentation from banks and government agencies as part of their probe. Despite being confronted with questions relating to these allegations, prosecutors claim that as of February 26, El-Rufai had not provided direct responses addressing the substance of the petition. Instead, much of his written communication reportedly outlined his personal history, professional background and retirement status. He is said to have informed investigators that he now resides primarily in Egypt with his elderly mother.
Legal Battle at Federal High Court
Amid the unfolding investigation, El-Rufai has initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC, ICPC, SSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In the suit, he is seeking a judicial declaration that his arrest, continued detention and the search of his residence were unlawful. He is also asking the court to award damages and restrain authorities from freezing his bank accounts or confiscating his assets.
The case is shaping up to be a high-profile legal and political showdown, with significant implications for anti-corruption enforcement and opposition politics in Nigeria.
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