ICPC Storms Nasir El-Rufai's Residence, Details Emerge
- The ICPC operatives have stormed the residence of the immediate past governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, at his residence in Abuja
- This was disclosed by the media to the former governor, Muyiwa Adekeye, in a statement on Tuesday, February 19
- According to the former governor's aide, El-Rufai's lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the search at the residence of the ADC chieftain
The operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have reportedly stormed the residence of the immediate past governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, at Aso Drive in Abuja.
Muyiwa Adekeye, the media aide to the former governor, announced the development in a terse statement on Tuesday, February 19.
Source: Twitter
El-Rufai's lawyer condemns searching of his house
The former governor's aide explained that Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai’s lawyer, condemned the action “as unlawful, and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights”.
On his arrival in Nigeria, the former governor reported to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was released on bail on Wednesday, February 18, but was rearrested by the Department of State Service (DSS), who handed him over to the ICPC on Thursday.
In the interview before visiting the EFCC office, the former governor alleged that the National Security Adviser (NSA) ordered his arrest following what he described as a failed move to arrest and detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, February 12.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also alleged that ICPC used the DSS to carry out the action. When asked how he knew that the NSA ordered his arrest, the former governor said he and others listened to his conversation. His statement reads:
“He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they are the only ones who listen to calls. But we also have our ways.”
Analyst speaks on El-Rufai's dilemma
Oladotun Hassan, a lawyer who spoke with Legit.ng in an exclusive interview on the matter, explained that the former governor has questions to answer. He said:
"So what is happening to him is his own self-inflicted pain and the allegation they are raising against him by the EFCC over the 500 billion plus that he appropriated, according to the record. So, he just needs to clarify. This is not a bust-up for anybody to see as a political witch hunt. He should be ready to face it rightly because what he's doing rests solely on the strength of our democracy."
Source: Twitter
Nigerians react as ICPC searches El-Rufai's house
However, the latest development has started generating reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Sammie Adeleye said the former governor lost respect for tapping the NSA call:
"Person wey tap NSA call need nt to be respected, all right lost the moment he made that statement."
Zana urged the former governor to stand his ground:
"He should stand his guards so that nothing is planted in his residence. This persecution has brought out the hero in El-Rufai."
Jahmal decried lawbreaking in Nigeria:
"The Federal Government of Buhari broke the law, we clapped. This current is doing they are clapping. Tomorrow is pregnant. Lawyer, chop your money."
Ugochi Dave accused the former governor of corruption:
"Too late. The thief already stashed up d monies all across d middleeast n Europe. Kaduna has some tooo in the malls, shops, and plazas built for his numerous wives. Mills and the companies he partnered with. And in the but of abj girls where he slept half a year long every 4, 8 years! Radarada."
You can read the full statement of the ex-governor's aide on X here:
El-Rufai speaks on sacking Tinubu
Legit.ng earlier reported that former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai urged the opposition to unite against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai explained that the airport incident intensified his resolve to challenge the ruling APC administration in the next poll.
The former governor's legal team had criticised the alleged unlawful arrest attempt, asserting a lack of proper procedure by security operatives.
Proofreading by Bada Yusuf, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
