Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is locked in a high-stakes legal battle with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following his detention and the search of his Abuja residence.

El-Rufai has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the State Security Service, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleging illegal arrest and unlawful search.

According to filings at the FCT High Court, the ICPC said it executed a magistrate-backed warrant at his Asokoro home on February 19, recovering financial records, corporate documents, and electronic devices.

The commission listed investor account statements, asset declaration forms, company registration certificates, loan records approved by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and share certificates among materials seized.

ICPC investigators also reported confiscating flash drives, hard drives, laptops, mobile phones, and a tablet, all documented and sealed for forensic analysis.

El-Rufai’s family has rejected the commission’s claims, insisting only old personal phones and storage items were taken and dismissing allegations of “sophisticated tapping equipment” as falsehoods.

In a statement signed by his son, Mohammed El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, the family accused the agency of waging a media campaign rather than adhering to due process.

They further argued that the search warrant was invalid and fraudulently procured, challenging its legality in court and alleging procedural defects.

The dispute follows earlier probes into El-Rufai’s administration after the Kaduna State House of Assembly called for an investigation into the alleged diversion of N423 billion.

Despite the mounting allegations, El-Rufai has maintained his innocence, insisting he will respond only in court and describing the investigations as politically motivated.

A Federal High Court in Maitama has adjourned proceedings for proper arraignment, leaving the former governor in ICPC custody as legal proceedings continue.