By John Umeh
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered electronic equipment suspected to be capable of intercepting private communications during a search of the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
According to court filings submitted by the anti-graft agency, the devices were discovered during a search carried out at El-Rufai’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, in the presence of his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.
The commission alleged that the recovered items included electronic magnetic equipment believed to have the capacity to tap telephone conversations, as well as documents described as sensitive security materials belonging to government agencies.
Court-Approved Detention and Ongoing Investigation
The ICPC said it obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, authorising El-Rufai’s detention for 14 days to allow investigators to complete preliminary inquiries. The detention order is scheduled to expire on March 5, 2026.
The commission insisted that his detention followed due legal process and denied claims that his fundamental rights had been violated.
According to the agency, El-Rufai has since filed a suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, challenging his detention and alleging unlawful arrest and rights violations. However, the ICPC has asked the court to dismiss his application, arguing that its actions were lawful and necessary for investigation.
Corruption Allegations and Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
The anti-corruption body said its investigation is examining several financial transactions linked to El-Rufai’s tenure as governor. These include questions surrounding €1.4 million in funds, over 180 transactions amounting to more than ₦2.15 billion traced to Kaduna State accounts, and additional transfers exceeding ₦428 million to accounts yet to be fully identified.
Investigators said El-Rufai has been confronted with relevant documents but has declined to respond to questions during interrogation.
The commission also alleged that an associate connected to the investigation had fled the country and that some potential witnesses have expressed fears and requested protection.
Search Warrant and Evidence Collection
The ICPC said the search of El-Rufai’s residence was conducted under a valid court-issued warrant. During the operation, investigators reportedly requested his consent to examine the electronic devices recovered, but he declined to grant access.
The agency further claimed that El-Rufai had previously made statements on national television suggesting involvement in monitoring certain high-level communications, which investigators are now examining as part of their inquiry.
Legal Battle Continues
The ICPC maintained that its actions fall within its statutory mandate to investigate corruption and abuse of office. It added that formal charges may be filed once investigations are completed.
The commission assured the court that it intends to conclude its probe and determine appropriate legal steps before the expiration of the current detention order.
El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State for two terms, remains in custody as legal proceedings continue, with the case likely to attract significant public and political attention in the coming days.
