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.