The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that it recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of intercepting telephone conversations, along with sensitive security documents, from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
In court filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the commission said it obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari to detain the former governor pending investigation. The detention order, granted on February 19, 2026, is set to expire on March 5, 2026.
The anti-graft agency denied allegations of arbitrary detention and human rights violations, insisting that el-Rufai is being lawfully held in line with a valid court order. It urged the FCT High Court to dismiss his fundamental rights enforcement suit, describing it as lacking merit.
Search and Recovery
According to an affidavit deposed to by ICPC Litigation Officer David Efuk, operatives executed a search warrant at el-Rufai’s residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja, on February 19, 2026.
The search, reportedly witnessed by his wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, led to the recovery of what the commission described as “sensitive security documents” and electronic magnetic devices allegedly capable of tapping conversations.
The ICPC further claimed that during a televised interview on Arise Television, el-Rufai admitted to intercepting telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Investigators said the former governor was asked to grant consent for access to the retrieved equipment but declined.
Allegations of Non-Cooperation, Witness Intimidation
The commission alleged that el-Rufai has refused to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until formally arraigned in court. It also claimed that he is allegedly threatening potential prosecution witnesses, noting that one witness has formally requested protection.
Additionally, the ICPC stated that an aide linked to the investigation has fled the country.
Background to Arrest and Detention
The commission explained that it launched investigations following a petition alleging corrupt practices during el-Rufai’s tenure as governor.
It said preliminary investigations involved retrieving documents from banks and government institutions. Multiple invitations were reportedly sent to el-Rufai but were unsuccessful.
On February 5, 2026, the ICPC received intelligence that he had arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and sought assistance from the Department of State Services (DSS) to effect his arrest, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
He was later located at his residence and served with an invitation to appear before the commission on February 13, 2026. Through his lawyers, he requested to honour the invitation on February 18.
Before that date, he had honoured a separate invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was detained and granted administrative bail but reportedly failed to meet the conditions.
On February 18, he was released to the DSS and subsequently handed over to the ICPC.
Corruption Allegations
The petition against el-Rufai includes allegations of:
- Unexplained foreign currency withdrawals totalling €1.4 million.
- 180 suspicious payments amounting to N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
- Transfers to undisclosed accounts totalling N428.12 million.
- Diversion of N393.75 million to individuals and companies.
- Use of a debit card on a government revenue account with transactions totalling N721.67 million.
- Alleged violations of Kaduna State financial regulations and procurement laws.
The petition also questioned the management of domestic and foreign loans allegedly obtained during his administration for development projects, raising concerns over project execution and compliance with procurement procedures.
El-Rufai’s Response
In a statement on oath to the ICPC, el-Rufai denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as politically motivated.
He said he is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and believes his probe is linked to his opposition role.
“I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence,” he stated, adding that he would only respond to the allegations in a court of law.
He maintained that the investigation amounts to political persecution and argued that only a judge can determine the validity of the allegations.
ICPC’s Position
The commission reiterated that it acted within the law and that suspects can only be charged after investigations are concluded. It said it intends to file charges before the expiration of the remand order on March 5, 2026.
“It is in the interest of justice to dismiss his application and allow the commission to thoroughly investigate the allegations in the public interest,” the ICPC stated.
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