The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered equipment allegedly capable of wiretapping conversations and accessing sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai. The commission also secured a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is set to expire on Thursday.
The ICPC dismissed claims of arbitrary detention or repression, stating that the former governor is being lawfully held to allow proper investigation into serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as governor.
In documents filed before the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, the commission listed multiple irregularities, including the whereabouts of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious payments totaling over N2.15 billion from the Kaduna State Consolidated Revenue Account, and transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428 million. The affidavit, deposed by ICPC Litigation Officer David Efuk, also confirmed that one of El-Rufai’s aides linked to the investigation has left the country.
The agency stated that all the suspected items were retrieved in the presence of the former governor’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed, during a search executed under a legally signed warrant. The ICPC also alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is brought before a court.
According to the ICPC, the recovered items include electronic magnetic devices allegedly capable of wiretapping, as well as sensitive security documents belonging to various government agencies. The commission said it also received intelligence indicating that El-Rufai had admitted on national television to tapping the 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 to the equipment, but he refused,” the affidavit read.
The ICPC also reported threats against potential prosecution witnesses, with at least one individual seeking protection from the commission. The agency emphasized that the former governor is being lawfully detained pursuant to the remand order and that all procedures were conducted according to the law.
The commission outlined the timeline of its actions: a petition was received against El-Rufai alleging corrupt practices, leading to preliminary investigations and retrieval of relevant documents from banks and government institutions. After multiple attempts to invite him for questioning, including formal letters, the former governor was eventually served at his residence in Aso Drive, Abuja.
The petition against El-Rufai alleged serious financial irregularities during his administration, including:
Large cash withdrawals in foreign currency totaling €1.4 million.
Mismanagement and diversion of public revenue.
Use of a debit card linked to a state revenue account with transactions totaling over N721 million.
180 suspicious payments totaling N2.15 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Account.
Transfers to undisclosed accounts totaling over N428 million.
Alleged violations of Kaduna State financial policies and procurement laws.
The petition also claimed that while the state administration between 2015 and 2023 embarked on ambitious development projects, several were either executed in violation of procurement rules or abandoned after payment to contractors. The commission said these matters require thorough investigation.
Responding to the allegations, El-Rufai, in a sworn statement to the ICPC, maintained his innocence and described the probe as politically motivated. He stated that he is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as “the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria.”
El-Rufai said he would exercise his right to remain silent until he appears in court, asserting that the ICPC’s investigation represents political persecution rather than law enforcement. “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 said.
The ICPC, however, reiterated that the former governor is being lawfully detained under a court-approved remand order and that all investigative steps follow due process. The commission also stressed that El-Rufai will face formal charges before the remand expires on March 5, 2026.
In its filings, the ICPC argued that dismissing El-Rufai’s application alleging violation of fundamental human rights is in the public interest. It insisted that the commission’s mandate includes investigating corruption, abuse of office, and related offences, and that individuals can only be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
The agency further noted that El-Rufai’s refusal to cooperate, combined with the flight of an aide, demonstrates the need for thorough investigation. ICPC said the recovered documents and equipment could potentially compromise national security if not handled carefully.
The ongoing probe has drawn national attention, given El-Rufai’s prominence as a two-term governor of Kaduna State and his current role in opposition politics. Analysts say the case highlights the challenges of accountability for public officials in Nigeria and underscores the role of anti-graft agencies in investigating allegations of mismanagement and corruption at the highest levels.
The case will be closely monitored by the High Court of Justice of the FCT, where El-Rufai seeks judicial redress for his detention. Legal experts note that the court will need to balance due process with the commission’s responsibility to investigate serious financial crimes that may involve national security risks.
As of now, the ICPC has assured the public that all investigative activities are conducted transparently and in accordance with Nigerian law, and that further developments, including formal charges against El-Rufai, will be communicated once the investigation is concluded.
