The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered suspected wiretapping equipment and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The commission disclosed this in court filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where El-Rufai is challenging his detention and seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights.
According to ICPC, the items were retrieved during a search of El-Rufai’s residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja. The operation was conducted in the presence of his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
“The commission executed a duly signed search warrant on the premises of the applicant on the 19th day of February, 2026. During the search, sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security were retrieved. Electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations was also recovered,” the filings read.
ICPC alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, choosing to remain silent pending his court appearance. The commission also claimed that an aide linked to the investigation had fled the country.
The agency denied claims of arbitrary detention and political repression, insisting its actions were backed by lawful authority. “The commission obtained a detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, authorising the applicant’s remand for 14 days, which will lapse on the 5th day of March, 2026,” the court documents stated.
The ICPC further stated that El-Rufai, in a televised interview on Arise Television, admitted to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. “He was asked to give consent to enable the commission access to the equipment, but he refused,” the filings added.
The commission also raised concerns that El-Rufai allegedly threatened potential prosecution witnesses, noting that one witness had written to the commission seeking protection.
In detailing the background of the case, ICPC said: “The commission received a petition against the applicant, a former two-term Governor of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigations retrieved relevant documents from banks and government institutions. Multiple attempts to invite the applicant to confront these documents were unsuccessful.”
The agency also listed alleged corruption cases against El-Rufai, including the whereabouts of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious payments totaling N2,158,799,199 from Kaduna State’s Consolidated Revenue Account, and transfers to undisclosed accounts.
