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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday carried out what sources described as a thorough search of the residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in a dramatic escalation of ongoing investigations surrounding the embattled political figure.

The development was made public by El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, who disclosed the operation in a brief statement posted on social media. The post stated succinctly: “The residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC.”

Shortly after the disclosure, the ICPC confirmed that the former governor is currently in its custody. However, the commission did not immediately provide further details on the specific grounds for the search or the nature of the allegations being investigated.

Reacting swiftly to the development, El-Rufai’s legal counsel, Ubong Akpan, strongly criticized the action, describing it as unlawful and a violation of established legal procedures.

In a statement to journalists, Akpan said the search of his client’s residence was conducted in a manner inconsistent with due process. “This action is unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights,” he declared.

The lawyer did not specify whether the anti-corruption agency presented a valid search warrant, but he insisted that the operation infringed on his client’s constitutional protections. He also suggested that the legal team would consider appropriate remedies to challenge the action.

The search comes amid mounting legal troubles for the former governor, who has in recent days been at the center of multiple investigations by federal security and anti-corruption agencies.

According to reports, El-Rufai’s latest ordeal began earlier in the week when he was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial irregularities linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

The EFCC reportedly granted him bail on Wednesday after several days in custody. However, shortly after his release, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) are said to have taken him into custody again.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the DSS arrest was connected to allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Although the specific details of the alleged interception have not been made public, the claim has added a new dimension to the former governor’s legal challenges, broadening the scope of investigations beyond financial misconduct.

With the ICPC now confirming that El-Rufai is in its custody, questions have emerged about whether the commission’s investigation overlaps with the earlier EFCC probe or relates to separate allegations.

The ICPC’s search of El-Rufai’s residence signals a potentially deeper inquiry into activities during or after his tenure in office. Legal experts note that such searches are typically conducted to obtain documentary or digital evidence relevant to ongoing investigations.

Observers say the involvement of multiple agencies — the EFCC, DSS, and now ICPC — reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the complexity of the case.

Political analysts have also pointed out that El-Rufai remains a prominent figure within Nigeria’s political landscape, making the situation particularly sensitive. As a two-term governor of Kaduna State and a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he has played a significant role in national politics for over two decades.

The timing of the investigations has sparked speculation in political circles, though no official statement has suggested that the actions are politically motivated. Nevertheless, supporters of the former governor have raised concerns about what they describe as a pattern of coordinated actions by multiple federal agencies.

The ICPC, established to combat corruption and abuse of office, has broad powers to investigate public officials and prosecute corruption-related offenses. Under Nigerian law, the commission may conduct searches and seizures when there is reasonable suspicion that evidence relevant to an investigation is located at a particular premises.

However, legal practitioners emphasize that such searches must comply strictly with constitutional safeguards, including the presentation of properly issued warrants.

As of Thursday evening, the commission had not released a detailed statement outlining the evidence sought during the search or clarifying the duration of El-Rufai’s detention.

Meanwhile, civil society groups have called for transparency and adherence to due process. Some organizations have urged authorities to ensure that the investigations remain within the bounds of the law and free from political interference.

The unfolding events have generated significant public interest, particularly on social media platforms where supporters and critics of the former governor have engaged in heated debate.

While some Nigerians have welcomed the investigations as a demonstration of accountability and the rule of law, others have questioned the sequence of arrests and transfers between agencies.

Political observers say the coming days will likely determine whether formal charges will be filed or whether the former governor will be released pending further inquiries.

For now, El-Rufai remains in the custody of the ICPC as investigations continue. His legal team has vowed to challenge what they describe as procedural violations, setting the stage for what could become a prolonged legal battle.

As Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies intensify scrutiny of high-profile political figures, the case underscores the growing intersection of law enforcement, governance, and politics in the country’s evolving democratic landscape.