The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) reports that it recovered electronic devices, allegedly used for wiretapping conversations, from Nasir El-Rufai’s Abuja home, a former Kaduna state governor.
The agency stated that it secured a 14-day detention order from a Bwari Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory to hold the ex-governor while investigations continue.
In documents filed before the FCT high court, the ICPC denied claims of illegal detention or rights violations, asserting that El-Rufai is lawfully detained.
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An affidavit by David Efuk, the agency’s Litigation Officer, detailed that a search warrant was executed on February 19, 2026, at El-Rufai’s residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja.
The affidavit states, “During the search, witnessed by the applicant’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the commission recovered sensitive security documents that could jeopardize national security.”
The commission also claimed to have recovered “electronic equipment believed to be capable of intercepting conversations,” and that El-Rufai refused to grant access to these devices.
ICPC also referenced a TV interview where El-Rufai allegedly admitted to wiretapping conversations of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser.
The agency affirmed that the detention was lawful, citing that the remand order issued on February 19, 2026, expires on March 5, 2026.
The statement read, “Contrary to the applicant’s claims, he is lawfully detained in the agency’s custody, and no rights have been violated.”
El-Rufai is being investigated over several corruption allegations, including suspicious cash withdrawals of €1.4 million, 180 payments totaling N2.16 billion from Kaduna State’s IGR account, and N428.12 million transferred to undisclosed accounts.
The petition also raised concerns about discrepancies in Kaduna State’s debt profile, diversion of public funds, procurement law violations, and loans worth billions of naira and dollars during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The agency reported that an aide associated with the case has fled the country, and a potential witness has sought protection after receiving threats.
Efforts to summon El-Rufai for questioning initially failed, but he was later found in Abuja and served a formal invitation.
El-Rufai, in an oath statement, claimed the investigation is politically motivated, stating he would remain silent until court proceedings.
He said, “I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which I see as Nigeria’s last opposition party, and that’s why I am being investigated. I will only respond to allegations in court. These are not law enforcement actions but political persecution, which a judge must decide.”
The ICPC urged the court to dismiss the human rights suit filed by El-Rufai, arguing it’s in the interest of justice to complete its investigation and pursue charges before the detention period ends.
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