ICPC Says It Found Wiretapping Devices in El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence

ICPC Says It Found Wiretapping Devices in El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it recovered alleged wiretapping equipment, electronic surveillance devices, and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, as investigations into corruption allegations against him deepen.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that the items were recovered during a court-approved search operation carried out at el-Rufai’s home in the Asokoro district of Abuja, adding that the materials retrieved were capable of compromising national security.

According to the ICPC, the search was conducted in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, following the execution of a duly signed search warrant.

The commission also confirmed that it obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, allowing it to lawfully detain the former governor while investigations continue. The detention order is expected to lapse on March 5, 2026.

Reacting to claims of unlawful detention, the ICPC denied allegations of harassment, intimidation, or repression, insisting that el-Rufai is being held strictly in accordance with due process and within the limits of the law.

READ ALSO:

• Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions for Ogunnusi Road Reconstruction in Ikeja
• Global Crude Hits $73 as Middle East Tensions Escalate
• Four Die in Katsina Stampede During Ramadan Alms Distribution

The commission told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that el-Rufai has refused to cooperate with investigators, choosing to exercise his right to silence until arraigned before a court. It said the former governor declined to grant consent for forensic access to the seized electronic devices allegedly capable of intercepting phone conversations.

The ICPC further alleged that el-Rufai had publicly admitted on Arise Television to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, an admission it said formed part of its ongoing investigation.

In court documents, the anti-corruption agency revealed that an aide linked to the investigation has fled Nigeria, while another potential prosecution witness has written to the commission seeking protection over alleged threats connected to the case.

The ICPC listed several major corruption allegations against el-Rufai, including questions surrounding the whereabouts of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious transactions totalling ₦2.15 billion, transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to ₦428.1 million, and alleged diversion of public revenue through failure to remit funds into the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Other allegations include the use of a debit card linked to a government revenue account with transactions exceeding ₦721 million, diversion of funds to individuals and companies amounting to ₦393.7 million, and alleged violations of Kaduna State’s financial and procurement laws during his administration.

The petition against the former governor also raised concerns about Kaduna State’s debt profile, alleging domestic loans of nearly ₦99 billion and foreign loans exceeding $7.3 billion, with claims that several projects were abandoned despite full payment to contractors.

The commission said it would file formal charges against el-Rufai before the expiration of the remand order, stressing that prosecution can only commence after investigations are concluded and that the matter is being handled in the public interest.

El-Rufai, however, has denied the allegations, claiming he is being targeted for political reasons. In a sworn statement, he said he is a senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and described the probe as political persecution, insisting that he would only respond to the allegations in a court of law.

ICPC Says It Found Wiretapping Devices in El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence