(DDM) – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the anti-graft agency also secured a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, to detain the former governor pending the conclusion of investigations.
The commission disclosed that the detention order, obtained on February 19, 2026, is scheduled to lapse on March 5, 2026.
ICPC denied claims of arbitrary arrest and repression, insisting that the former governor is being lawfully held in accordance with a valid court order.
In court filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the commission asked that El-Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental human rights be dismissed for lacking merit.
According to an affidavit deposed to by a litigation officer of the commission, investigators executed a search warrant at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja.
The agency stated that the search was witnessed by the former governor’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.
During the operation, the commission claimed it retrieved sensitive security documents allegedly capable of compromising national security.
ICPC further alleged that electronic magnetic devices believed to be capable of intercepting telephone conversations were also recovered.
The commission referenced a televised interview in which El-Rufai allegedly admitted to tapping the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Investigators said the former governor declined to grant consent for access to the equipment retrieved from his home.
The agency also claimed that he has refused to respond to interview questions, opting instead to remain silent until he is arraigned before a court of law.
According to the commission, an aide allegedly linked to the investigation has left the country, while another potential prosecution witness has requested protection over alleged threats.
ICPC stated that it received a petition accusing the former governor of multiple financial infractions during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
Among the allegations listed are discrepancies in the state’s debt profile and foreign currency withdrawals amounting to €1.4 million.
The petition also referenced 180 suspicious payments totalling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue.
Further claims include transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18 and diversion of public funds totalling N393,752,670.05.
The petition alleged that Kaduna State under his administration secured domestic loans of about N98.912 billion and foreign loans exceeding $7.36 billion for developmental projects.
However, it was alleged that several projects were either abandoned or executed in violation of procurement laws despite full payment to contractors.
ICPC maintained that it followed due process in inviting El-Rufai for questioning, stating that previous formal invitations were unsuccessful before his eventual detention.
The commission said he had earlier honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but remained in custody after failing to meet bail conditions.
In his sworn statement, El-Rufai described the investigation as political persecution tied to his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He insisted that he would exercise his constitutional right to silence and would only respond to the allegations in a court of law.
The former governor argued that after nearly two years of investigations, the appropriate venue for resolving the matter is a judicial tribunal rather than continued interrogation.
As the legal battle unfolds, observers say the case may test the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and protection of fundamental rights within Nigeria’s legal system.
