ICPC recovers wiretapping devices from El-rufai’s residence – Official

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered electronic devices allegedly used for conversation tapping from the Abuja residence of Nasir El-Rufai, a former Kaduna state governor.

The commission disclosed that it obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, to detain the former governor for 14 days pending the conclusion of investigations.

In court processes filed before the high court of the FCT, the ICPC denied allegations of arbitrary detention and rights violations, insisting that El-Rufai is being lawfully held.

According to an affidavit deposed to by David Efuk, its Litigation Officer the anti-graft agency executed a search warrant on February 19, 2026, at El-Rufai’s residence located at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja.

It reads, “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.”

The commission further alleged that it recovered “electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations” and that the former governor declined to grant consent for investigators to access the devices.

ICPC also referenced a television interview in which El-Rufai allegedly admitted to tapping the telephone conversations of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser.

The agency maintained that the detention followed due process, stating that the remand order, obtained on February 19, 2026, would lapse on March 5, 2026.

It said, “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.”

The ICPC disclosed that El-Rufai is being investigated over multiple corruption allegations.

It includes the whereabouts of €1.4 million in cash withdrawals, 180 suspicious payments amounting to N2.16 billion from a consolidated revenue account linked to Kaduna State’s IGR account, and transfers to undisclosed accounts totalling N428.12 million.

The petition against the former governor also raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in Kaduna State’s debt profile, diversion of public revenue, violation of procurement laws, and loans amounting to billions of naira and dollars during his administration between 2015 and 2023.

The commission alleged that an aide linked to the investigation has fled the country and that a potential prosecution witness has written to the agency seeking protection over alleged threats.

ICPC added that efforts to invite El-Rufai for questioning were initially unsuccessful until he was located in Abuja and formally served an invitation letter.

Recall that in his statement on oath, however, El-Rufai described the investigation as politically motivated and said he would exercise his right to remain silent until arraigned in court.

He added, “I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which I consider the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, and that is the real reason I am being investigated.

“I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law. I do not believe these investigations amount to law enforcement. This is political persecution which only a judge can decide upon.”

The ICPC urged the court to dismiss the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by the former governor, arguing that it is in the interest of justice to allow the commission to conclude its investigation and file charges before the expiration of the detention order. (The Witness )