ICPC also maintained that the former governor has questions to answer regarding multiple allegations of corruption.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has claimed that the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, kept suspected wiretapping equipment—allegedly capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing sensitive security documents—at his Abuja residence.
The anti-graft agency levelled the allegation against El-Rufai in detailed legal proceedings submitted to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where he is seeking redress for alleged unlawful detention and the violation of his fundamental human rights.”
According to court filings, the equipment was retrieved during a search conducted at the former governor’s residence in the presence of his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
The commission further alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, electing to remain silent until he is formally arraigned in court.
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The ICPC stated: “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.
“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. A copy of the consent form is attached and marked Exhibit ICPC 5.
“The search also retrieved sensitive security documents of various security agencies of the government.”
The ICPC went on to claim that one of his aides linked to the investigation has fled the country.
The agency added that it obtained a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, to hold the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain while investigations continue.
Dismissing allegations of arbitrary detention and political repression, the commission urged the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to reject El-Rufai’s application.
In addition, the ICPC maintained that the former governor has questions to answer regarding multiple corruption allegations.
These include the alleged disappearance of €1.4 million; 180 suspicious payments totalling ₦2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) account; and transfers amounting to ₦428,122,180.18 to undisclosed accounts.
