ICPC Raids El-Rufai's Abuja Home as Former Kaduna Governor Remains in Custody Over N432bn Probe
Anti-corruption officials have searched the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who remains in custody over allegations of N432 billion money laundering during his tenure.
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) conducted a search operation at the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday, as the ex-governor remains in custody over allegations of massive financial impropriety during his eight-year tenure.
According to Channels Television, ICPC officials arrived at El-Rufai's residence around 2 p.m. and immediately began searching the entire property. The operation comes as the anti-corruption agency investigates alleged money laundering totaling N432 billion, according to the Peoples Gazette.
The development marks a significant escalation in the probe of one of Nigeria's most prominent political figures, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and was widely considered for a ministerial appointment in President Bola Tinubu's administration before his nomination was controversially rejected by the Senate.
Sequence of Events Leading to Detention
The timeline of El-Rufai's arrest remains somewhat unclear, with conflicting reports about the sequence of events. Sahara Reporters indicated that El-Rufai initially honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday and was granted bail, but was subsequently picked up by ICPC operatives on Wednesday.
The involvement of multiple anti-corruption agencies suggests a coordinated effort to investigate the former governor's financial dealings. The ICPC, which focuses on corruption in public service, has taken the lead in the current phase of the investigation, while the EFCC's earlier involvement indicates the breadth of the allegations being examined.
Legit.ng reported that the residence came "under siege" by ICPC operatives, highlighting the high-profile nature of the operation. The search of a former state governor's home represents one of the most significant anti-corruption actions in recent Nigerian political history.
Background to the Allegations
El-Rufai's tenure as Kaduna governor was marked by ambitious infrastructure projects, controversial urban renewal programs, and significant borrowing. The state's debt profile increased substantially during his administration, rising from N6.5 billion in 2015 to over N120 billion by the time he left office in 2023, according to the Debt Management Office.
The N432 billion figure cited in the current investigation represents a substantial sum relative to Kaduna State's annual budget, which averaged approximately N200 billion during El-Rufai's tenure. The specific nature of the money laundering allegations has not been publicly detailed by the ICPC, which typically maintains confidentiality during active investigations.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Olusegun Obasanjo, has cultivated a reputation as a technocrat and reformer, though his governance style has been polarizing. His administration in Kaduna was marked by frequent clashes with labour unions, religious leaders, and traditional institutions over his policies.
Legal and Political Implications
The arrest and detention of El-Rufai could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's political landscape. As a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a close ally of President Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, his legal troubles may reverberate through the party's northern political base.
The case also tests Nigeria's anti-corruption framework, which has faced criticism for selective prosecution and failure to secure convictions against high-profile political figures. The ICPC, established in 2000, has historically had a lower profile than the EFCC but has been increasingly active in recent years.
Legal experts note that money laundering charges carry severe penalties under Nigerian law, including lengthy prison sentences and asset forfeiture. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act provides for imprisonment of up to 14 years for convicted offenders.
As the investigation continues, attention will focus on whether formal charges will be filed and what evidence the ICPC has gathered during its search operation. The former governor's legal team has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations or the search of his residence.
The outcome of this case may set important precedents for accountability of state governors in Nigeria, where immunity during tenure has often been followed by impunity after leaving office. With El-Rufai remaining in ICPC custody, the coming days will likely reveal more details about the scope and substance of the allegations against one of Nigeria's most influential recent state executives.