What Nasir El-Rufai Told ICPC in Custody

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said his detention and investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are politically motivated and linked to his role in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since 19 February, following his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had detained him after he attended an invitation on 16 February.

Statements written by El-Rufai on 19 and 20 February, filed as exhibits in court by the ICPC, show that he refused to respond to allegations raised by investigators, insisting that any findings be presented in court. He devoted much of his submissions to describing his personal history, including his birthplace, education, and career over the last 26 years. He also said he is retired and now resides mostly in Egypt with his elderly mother. Up to 26 February, the ICPC said he had not addressed questions linked to a petition under investigation.

An ICPC prosecutor said the commission, supported by the State Security Service (SSS), tried to arrest El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 5 February after his return from Egypt, but the attempt was unsuccessful. He later received a letter of invitation to appear before the commission on 13 February, which he requested to postpone to 18 February. Before that date, he was detained by the EFCC and subsequently transferred to the ICPC. On 19 February, ICPC officials searched his Abuja residence at 12 Mambilla Street with a court-issued warrant, claiming to have recovered sensitive security documents and electronic equipment capable of intercepting communications. El-Rufai’s son, Mohammed El-Rufai, disputed this, saying only old phones, laptops, and flash drives were found, describing the claim of surveillance equipment as fiction.

The ICPC said its investigation follows a 2024 petition by Nus’ab Chambers alleging diversion of state funds, mismanagement of loans, and violations of procurement laws during El-Rufai’s governorship. Documents have been obtained from banks and government agencies in connection with the allegations.

El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the EFCC, ICPC, SSS, and the Attorney General of the Federation, seeking a declaration that his arrest, detention, and the search of his home were unlawful. He is requesting N1 billion in damages and wants the court to prevent authorities from freezing his accounts or seizing his property while the case is pending. Having left the All Progressives Congress (APC) last year, he now plays a prominent role in the ADC and has been openly critical of President Bola Tinubu. Court proceedings in the matter are ongoing.