Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, continues to be held in ICPC custody for a second night, sparking strong protests from his lawyers who vehemently condemn the search of his Abuja residence as a blatant disregard for his fundamental rights and a clear breach of due process. El-Rufai was initially detained by the EFCC on Monday, released late Wednesday, and immediately taken into ICPC custody, a sequence of events his lawyers describe as “unlawful and a travesty of justice”.

The ICPC confirms El-Rufai’s detention but remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, fueling speculation about the motives behind the probe. Unverified claims circulating suggest a possible link to the failed N11.1bn Kaduna light rail project, but these allegations couldn’t be independently confirmed, leaving many questions unanswered.

El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, has slammed the ICPC’s actions, stating that the search of the former governor’s residence was a clear violation of his rights, and his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, has vowed to take all necessary steps to ensure El-Rufai’s rights are protected. The development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with many calling for transparency and due process in the investigation.