JUST IN: Nasir El-Rufai Faces Possible 15-Year Jail Term As ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it recovered devices believed to be used for intercepting phone conversations, along with classified security documents, from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The ICPC said it also secured a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, allowing it to hold the former governor for 14 days while investigations continue.
Although the order is expected to expire on Thursday, the commission rejected claims that he is being held unlawfully or targeted unfairly.
The anti-corruption body has asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to throw out el-Rufai’s suit, in which he alleged that his fundamental rights were violated.
In court filings, the ICPC listed several financial issues it said require explanation, including the alleged disappearance of €1.4 million, 180 questionable payments totaling over N2.1 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue account, and transfers amounting to more than N428 million into undisclosed accounts.
The commission further stated that one of the former governor’s aides connected to the investigation has reportedly left the country.
The claims were contained in an affidavit sworn to by a litigation officer, David Efuk, and filed before the FCT High Court, where el-Rufai is seeking his release.
The ICPC said the search of his residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja, was carried out with a valid warrant and in the presence of his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed.
During the operation, officials said they recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of monitoring phone calls, as well as documents described as sensitive and potentially harmful to national security if exposed.
The commission also referred to a television interview in which el-Rufai reportedly admitted to monitoring the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The ICPC said he declined to grant them access to examine the seized equipment and has so far refused to answer questions during interviews.
It alleged that the former governor has been making moves that could intimidate potential witnesses.
The agency said one witness had formally requested protection from the commission.
ICPC said: “On the 18th day of February, 2026, at about 7 pm, the applicant was released to the DSS by the EFCC to be handed over to the commission.
“On the 19th day of February, 2026, the commission obtained a remand order to keep the applicant in its custody for 14 days, which will lapse on the 5th day of March, 2026.
“The commission has since confronted the applicant with the retrieved documents during its preliminary investigation activities, but the applicant has refused to respond to interviews to date.
“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 applicant is also allegedly threatening likely prosecution witnesses, and one such witness has written to the commission seeking protection. A copy of the letter is attached and marked Exhibit ICPC 6.”
The agency maintained that El-Rufai’s detention followed due process and was based on a valid court order, giving it two weeks to complete preliminary investigations.
TGM recalls that Nasir El-Rufai giled N1bn lawsuit against ICPC over the alleged search of his home in Abuja.
