The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it recovered suspected wiretapping equipment and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. The items were allegedly capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing classified government materials.
According to court filings, the search was conducted in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai. The commission also secured a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), set to expire on Thursday, March 5. ICPC denied claims that the former governor was being arbitrarily detained.
The agency has asked the High Court of Justice of the FCT to dismiss El-Rufai’s suit alleging violations of his fundamental human rights. ICPC said the former governor faces multiple corruption allegations, including the whereabouts of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious payments totaling over N2.15 billion from Kaduna State’s IGR account, and transfers of N428 million to undisclosed accounts.
In an affidavit filed by ICPC Litigation Officer David Efuk, the commission said El-Rufai has refused to cooperate with investigators. It also noted that an aide linked to the investigation had left the country.
ICPC said the suspect was handed over to the commission by the EFCC on February 18, 2026, and a remand order was issued the following day. During the search of his residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Asokoro District, Abuja, the commission retrieved sensitive security documents and electronic equipment capable of wiretapping. The former governor allegedly refused to grant consent for examination of the equipment.
The agency also accused El-Rufai of threatening potential prosecution witnesses, with one witness formally seeking protection. ICPC insisted the detention is lawful and part of standard investigative procedure, adding that it does not arbitrarily detain or endanger suspects.
The commission emphasized that investigations are ongoing, and charges will be prepared against El-Rufai before the detention order expires on March 5. ICPC said it followed due process, issuing invitations and attempts to confront El-Rufai with retrieved documents, but these efforts were initially unsuccessful.
ICPC stated: “It is in the interest of justice to dismiss his application for lacking merit and allow the commission to investigate the allegations thoroughly in the public interest.”