General News
ICPC: Wiretapping Devices, Sensitive Security Documents Recovered From El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered electronic surveillance devices and classified security documents during a search of the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
In documents filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the anti-graft agency disclosed that it obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, permitting it to detain the former governor for 14 days to conclude preliminary investigations. The remand order is due to expire on March 5, 2026.
El-Rufai is currently challenging his detention, alleging a violation of his fundamental human rights. However, the commission insists his custody is lawful and in line with due process.
According to an affidavit deposed to by ICPC litigation officer David Efuk, operatives executed a search warrant on February 19, 2026, at the former governor’s residence on Mambila Street, Asokoro. The operation was reportedly witnessed by his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed.
The commission stated that investigators recovered electronic magnetic devices allegedly capable of intercepting communications, alongside sensitive documents said to belong to various security agencies. It further claimed that el-Rufai declined to grant access to certain equipment found on the premises.
ICPC also referenced a television interview in which the former governor allegedly admitted to monitoring telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The agency said attempts to interrogate him have been unsuccessful, as he has chosen to remain silent pending formal arraignment in court.
In addition, the commission alleged that an aide connected to the investigation has fled the country, while at least one potential prosecution witness has requested protection over alleged threats.
The investigation, according to the commission, followed a petition accusing the former governor of multiple financial infractions during his tenure. The allegations include unexplained foreign currency withdrawals totalling €1.4 million; 180 payments amounting to over N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue; and transfers exceeding N428 million into undisclosed accounts.
Other accusations involve alleged diversion of public funds, irregular use of a government revenue debit card, discrepancies in the state’s debt profile, and breaches of procurement regulations under Kaduna State’s financial laws.
ICPC said it made several attempts to invite el-Rufai for questioning before eventually locating him in Abuja.
In a sworn statement to the commission, the former governor denied any wrongdoing and described the probe as politically motivated. He maintained that he would exercise his constitutional right to silence and respond only before a competent court of law.
“I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law,” he reportedly stated, characterising the investigation as political persecution.
The commission has urged the court to dismiss his fundamental rights enforcement suit, arguing that investigators should be allowed to complete their work and, where necessary, file formal charges before the expiration of the remand order.
Hon. Mohammed Bello El Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of waging a smear campaign against Malam Nasir El Rufai, his father, by weaponizing his constitutional right to silence. In a lengthy statement issued on Monday and signed on behalf of the El-Rufai family, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai said it was deeply unfortunate that a constitutionally established agency had descended into what can only be described as a circus of chicanery, alleging that the ICPC was prosecuting a media war rather than adhering to the rule of law.
Addressing claims by the Commission that Nasir El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, the lawmaker said the allegation betrayed a misunderstanding of basic constitutional protections. He argued that the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent, insisting that exercising that right cannot lawfully be construed as non-cooperation or guilt.
Our father has consistently told law enforcement agencies: Charge me if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, the statement said, adding that the ICPCs inability to do so explained what the family described as lies and obfuscation.
Furthermore, the family alleged that the entire search was based on a forged and legally defective warrant, purportedly issued by a magistrate who lacked the jurisdiction of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. They said their lawyers had already challenged the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence arising from it was inadmissible.
Describing the ICPCs conduct as a credibility deficit, the statement accused the agency of forgery, abuse of office and the peddling of falsehoods, and claimed it was acting on behalf of unnamed political interests. The family said it would pursue all available legal remedies and expressed confidence that the Nigerian judiciary would uphold their rights.
Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Banking Regulations, signed the statement on March 2, 2026, describing himself as a proud son of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The ICPC has yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans to stage a nationwide mock presidential election as part of its build-up to the 2027 general elections.
The electoral body said the exercise will simulate real voting conditions across the country to evaluate its result transmission technology and address operational gaps identified in previous elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure in Abuja during the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026. He explained that the mock poll would serve as a nationwide stress test of the commission’s digital infrastructure, particularly the electronic transmission of results.
Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission is prioritising transparency, improved logistics, and technological upgrades to ensure the 2027 elections meet higher standards of credibility and efficiency.
He added that data and feedback from the simulation would guide further refinements in planning, deployment of personnel, and management of election-day processes.
INEC also confirmed a revised timetable for the 2027 polls. Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
According to the commission, early system testing and strategic preparation remain central to restoring public trust and guaranteeing a smooth, transparent electoral process nationwide.
National Police Council Ratifies Disu’s Appointment as Acting IGPThe National Police Council has ratified the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police.
The decision was reached during a council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
The session marked the third National Police Council meeting under his administration since assuming office.
Disu was nominated by the President last week following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun. He is expected to appear before the Senate for confirmation, the final step before he can assume the position in a substantive capacity.
The National Police Council is vested with the responsibility of overseeing the organisation, administration, and operational control of the Nigeria Police Force, including the appointment and discipline of senior officers.
Governors of Kwara State, Ogun State, Lagos State, Ondo State, Enugu State, and Plateau State were in attendance, alongside the Ministers of Police Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory, and Interior.