The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered equipment allegedly capable of intercepting conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
The commission also confirmed it obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which expires on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
ICPC denied claims of arbitrary detention or repression, stating that el-Rufai has corruption allegations to answer, including:
– The whereabouts of €1.4 million
– 180 suspicious payments totalling N2,158,799,199 from Kaduna State’s Consolidated Revenue Account (linked to internally generated revenue)
– Transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18
In an affidavit deposed by Litigation Officer David Efuk before the High Court of the FCT — where el-Rufai is seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights — the ICPC stated that the items were retrieved during a search on February 19, 2026, at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja.
The search was conducted in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai.
The commission alleged that el-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators or respond to interviews, opting to remain silent until brought before a court.
It further stated that an aide of the former governor linked to the investigation has fled the country.
ICPC revealed that during the search, agents recovered:
– Electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations
– Sensitive security documents from various government agencies
The commission said el-Rufai declined to grant consent for access to the equipment (a consent form was attached as Exhibit ICPC 5).
It referenced el-Rufai’s admission on Arise Television that he, along with another person, tapped the phone conversations of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The ICPC urged the court to dismiss el-Rufai’s fundamental human rights suit, arguing that his detention is lawful and tied to ongoing investigations.
BACKGROUND
El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily reported to the EFCC in Abuja over corruption allegations related to his tenure as Kaduna governor (2015–2023)
On February 18, he was handed over to the ICPC after EFCC bail.
The Department of State Services (DSS) filed charges against him for illegally intercepting Ribadu’s phone calls, following his Arise TV claim that he tapped Ribadu’s conversations to hear instructions to detain him upon arrival from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026.
His planned arraignment at the Federal High Court did not proceed on Wednesday because the ICPC did not produce him in court.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rescheduled the arraignment to April 23, 2026.
El-Rufai has filed multiple court applications challenging his detention and seeking enforcement of his rights.
