The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the recovery of electronic equipment allegedly capable of intercepting conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The commission said it secured a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, to keep el-Rufai in custody, which is set to expire on Thursday. ICPC denied claims that the detention amounted to arbitrary arrest or repression.
In court filings, the anti-graft agency urged the FCT High Court of Justice to dismiss el-Rufai’s suit alleging violations of his fundamental human rights, stating that the former governor has pending corruption questions, including the alleged disappearance of €1.4 million, 180 dubious payments totalling over N2.15 billion from Kaduna State’s Consolidated Revenue Account, and transfers of N428 million to undisclosed accounts.
ICPC also revealed that an aide linked to the investigation has reportedly left the country.
According to an affidavit by ICPC Litigation Officer David Efuk, the commission recovered the materials in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and son, Mohammed. The affidavit claimed that el-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until brought before a court.
The agency further alleged that the former governor, during the search at his residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Asokoro, Abuja, declined to give consent to access the equipment.
ICPC said the items included sensitive government documents and electronic devices capable of compromising national security.
The commission noted that el-Rufai previously admitted on national television to intercepting calls of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and warned that he has allegedly threatened witnesses, with at least one requesting protection from ICPC.
ICPC stressed that el-Rufai’s detention is lawful, sanctioned by a magistrate court to facilitate proper investigation.
The agency reiterated that it does not engage in arbitrary arrests and that it will file charges before the remand expires on March 5, 2026.
“The commission received a petition against the applicant, a former two-term Governor of Kaduna State, and has been conducting preliminary investigations, retrieving relevant documents from banks and government agencies,” the affidavit said.
ICPC maintained that all actions, including summonses and searches, were conducted following due process and in line with its mandate to investigate corruption and related offences.