The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that it recovered electronic surveillance equipment and classified security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The anti-graft agency said it obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, authorising it to detain the former governor for 14 days to enable investigators conclude preliminary inquiries. The order is expected to lapse on March 5, 2026.
In court filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where el-Rufai is challenging his detention on grounds of alleged rights violations, the commission maintained that his custody is lawful and in compliance with due process.
According to an affidavit sworn by a litigation officer, David Efuk, investigators executed a search warrant on February 19, 2026, at the former governor’s residence on Mambila Street, Asokoro. The operation, the commission said, was witnessed by his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed.
During the search, officials allegedly retrieved electronic magnetic devices described as capable of intercepting communications, as well as sensitive documents belonging to various security agencies. The commission further claimed that el-Rufai declined to grant consent for access to certain equipment recovered from the premises.
ICPC also referenced a television interview in which the former governor allegedly admitted to monitoring the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The agency said efforts to question him during ongoing investigations have been unsuccessful, as he has opted to remain silent pending arraignment in court.
It further alleged that an aide linked to the matter has fled the country and that at least one potential prosecution witness has sought protective measures after alleged threats.
The commission said the investigation stems from a petition accusing the former governor of multiple financial infractions during his tenure. The allegations include unexplained foreign currency withdrawals amounting to €1.4 million; 180 payments totalling over N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account tied to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue; and transfers of more than N428 million to undisclosed accounts.
Other claims involve alleged diversion of public funds, irregular use of a government revenue debit card, discrepancies in the state’s debt profile, and violations of procurement regulations under Kaduna State’s financial laws.
ICPC stated that it had earlier made repeated attempts to invite el-Rufai for questioning, but those efforts were unsuccessful until he was eventually located in Abuja.
In a sworn statement to the commission, el-Rufai denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as politically motivated. He said he would exercise his constitutional right to silence and respond only before a competent court.
“I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law,” he stated, insisting that the matter amounts to political persecution.
The commission has asked the court to dismiss his fundamental rights enforcement suit, arguing that it is in the public interest to allow investigators complete their work and, where necessary, file formal charges before the remand order expires.
