ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices From El-Rufai’s Abuja Home

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices From El-Rufai’s Abuja Home

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of intercepting telephone conversations, alongside 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 anti-graft agency disclosed that it obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari to keep the former governor in custody pending the conclusion of investigations. The order, granted on February 19, 2026, is set to expire on March 5.

The commission rejected claims that el-Rufai’s detention was arbitrary or politically motivated, insisting that due process was followed at every stage. It urged the court to dismiss the former governor’s application alleging a breach of his fundamental human rights.

According to an affidavit deposed to by a litigation officer of the commission, David Efuk, the search of el-Rufai’s residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja, was carried out pursuant to a valid warrant. The operation, it said, was witnessed by his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai.

The ICPC alleged that during the search, investigators retrieved “electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations” as well as documents described as sensitive security materials belonging to various government agencies. It further claimed that the former governor declined to grant consent for access to the devices.

The agency also referenced a televised interview in which el-Rufai reportedly admitted to tapping the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Beyond the alleged wiretapping devices, the commission said it is probing multiple financial transactions linked to the former governor’s administration.

Among the issues under investigation are the whereabouts of €1.4 million said to have been withdrawn in cash, 180 payments totalling N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account connected to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue, and transfers amounting to over N428 million to undisclosed accounts.

Other allegations include the use of a debit card on a government revenue account with transactions exceeding N721 million, diversion of public funds totalling N393.7 million to individuals and companies, and discrepancies in the state’s debt profile.

The petition that triggered the investigation further alleged that the Kaduna State Government between 2015 and 2023 obtained domestic loans of about N98.9 billion and foreign loans running into billions of dollars for development projects, some of which were allegedly executed in violation of procurement laws or left uncompleted despite full payment.

The commission stated that it had invited el-Rufai on several occasions to respond to the allegations but that attempts to secure his appearance through formal letters were unsuccessful.

It said operatives of the Department of State Services were initially contacted to assist in effecting his arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, but the effort did not succeed.

According to the ICPC, the former governor was later served with an invitation letter and agreed, through his lawyers, to appear on February 18, 2026.

Before that date, however, he had honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was detained. Though he was reportedly granted administrative bail, he was unable to meet the conditions and remained in custody before being transferred.

The commission maintained that el-Rufai is lawfully detained under a valid court order and denied posing any physical danger to him. It added that it would file charges before the expiration of the remand order if investigations establish a prima facie case.

It also alleged that the former governor had declined to cooperate with investigators, choosing to remain silent during interviews.

The agency further claimed that one potential prosecution witness had written to it seeking protection, while an aide linked to the matter had left the country.

In his statement on oath, el-Rufai denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as politically motivated.

“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,” he said.

He added that, on the advice of counsel, he would exercise his right to silence until arraigned in court.

“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,” he stated.

The case is expected to test the scope of the commission’s investigative powers as well as the legality of the search and detention, as the court considers the former governor’s application for enforcement of his fundamental rights.