Former Kaduna State Gov. Nasir El-Rufai spent a second night in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission on Thursday, as his lawyers protested a search of his residence.
El-Rufai was initially detained Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and released late Wednesday. He was then immediately taken into custody by the ICPC, where he has remained.
Before his arrest, El-Rufai had written to the ICPC through his lawyers, indicating his willingness to honor an invitation on Tuesday.
The development followed an earlier incident at an airport where operatives of the Department of State Services reportedly seized his passport.
An ICPC official confirmed Thursday night that El-Rufai remained in custody but declined to disclose details of the investigation.
“He is still very much with us. I can’t say the offence he is being investigated for,” the official said.
The ICPC had earlier confirmed taking custody of El-Rufai on Wednesday night but also did not specify the alleged offence.
Unverified reports have linked the probe to the failed 11.1 billion naira joint venture Kaduna light rail project, but those claims could not be independently confirmed.
Efforts to reach ICPC spokesperson John Odey for comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said on X that ICPC operatives searched the former governor’s residence on Aso Drive in Abuja.
According to Adekeye, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, described the search as unlawful and a violation of due process and fundamental rights.
