*”We Retrieved Equipment Capable Of Tapping Conversations, Sensitive Security Documents From El-Rufai’s Home” — ICPC
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it recovered equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The commission also said it obtained a legal order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to detain El-Rufai for 14 days, which is due to expire on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
ICPC denied allegations of arbitrary detention and repression of the former governor and has asked the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory to dismiss El-Rufai’s application alleging violation of his fundamental human rights.
ICPC made the claims in an affidavit deposed to by a Litigation Officer, David Efuk, before the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, where El-Rufai is seeking redress and release from detention.
The commission said all the suspected items were retrieved in the presence of the former governor’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed.
“On the 19th day of February, 2026, the commission executed a duly signed search warrant on the premises of the applicant at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja.
“During the search, which was witnessed by the applicant’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, the commission retrieved sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security,” ICPC stated.
The commission alleged that El-Rufai admitted on national television to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser.
“The applicant, on national television (Arise Television), admitted to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
“During the search operations, the commission retrieved electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations.
“He was asked to give consent to enable the commission access the equipment, but he refused,” ICPC stated.
The search also retrieved sensitive security documents of various security agencies of the government, according to the commission.
The agency alleged that the former governor declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is brought before a court.
“The commission has since confronted the applicant with the retrieved documents during its preliminary investigation activities, but the applicant has refused to respond to interviews to date,” ICPC said.
The commission also confirmed that an aide of the former governor allegedly linked to the matter has left the country.
“The applicant is also allegedly threatening likely prosecution witnesses, and one such witness has written to the commission seeking protection,” ICPC added.
ICPC said the former governor has corruption allegations to answer, including:
The petition against El-Rufai further alleged: “The past administration collected about N98.912 billion as domestic loans for developmental projects in Kaduna State.
“The past administration also collected over $7,366,070,222.5 as foreign loans to be serviced by the people of Kaduna State.
“Our findings showed that while the Kaduna State Government between 2015 and 2023 embarked on ambitious projects, some were allegedly executed in contravention of procurement laws.
“It is alleged that only a few projects were completed, while several were abandoned despite full payment to contractors.
“Of concern was the alleged disregard for the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law, 2016.”
ICPC insisted that El-Rufai was lawfully detained pursuant to a remand order issued by a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT.
“Contrary to the depositions of the applicant in his supporting affidavit, he is lawfully held in the custody of the commission, and the commission has not breached any of his fundamental rights as claimed.
