ICPC Finds Wiretapping Gear, Security Docs at El-Rufai’s Home Amid Probe

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed in court documents that it recovered suspected wiretapping equipment and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The disclosure came as part of the anti-graft agency’s response to a fundamental human rights suit filed by El-Rufai, who is challenging his ongoing detention and seeking enforcement of his rights.

The filings were submitted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as reported by multiple Nigerian media outlets including The Nation, Daily Post, PM News, and others on March 2, 2026.

According to the ICPC’s affidavit, operatives executed a duly signed search warrant on February 19, 2026, at El-Rufai’s home located at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja. The search was conducted in the presence of his wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.

During the operation, the commission said it retrieved “electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations”  described as suspected wiretapping devices potentially able to intercept private communications along with sensitive security documents from various government security agencies, which the agency claimed could compromise national security.

The ICPC further alleged that El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, declining to respond to questions during preliminary interrogations or provide consent to access the recovered equipment (a consent form was referenced as Exhibit ICPC 5).

One aide linked to the probe reportedly fled the country, and the commission claimed El-Rufai was threatening potential prosecution witnesses, with one such witness seeking protection (Exhibit ICPC 6).

The agency linked the equipment to prior public statements by El-Rufai, noting that on Arise Television, he admitted knowledge of intercepted telephone conversations involving the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The ICPC defended its actions as lawful, stemming from a petition alleging corrupt practices against the former two-term governor.

It detailed efforts to invite El-Rufai for questioning after preliminary investigations involving documents from banks and government institutions, which were unsuccessful until his arrival at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 5, 2026.

Attempts to arrest him then failed, leading to a formal invitation served at his residence for appearance on February 13 (later rescheduled to February 18 at his request via lawyers).

El-Rufai had earlier honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was detained before being transferred to ICPC custody on the evening of February 18, 2026.

The ICPC obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, on February 19, authorizing his detention until March 5, 2026.

The commission denied claims of arbitrary detention or political repression, insisting it followed due process and plans to file charges before the remand expires. It urged the High Court to dismiss El-Rufai’s application.

This development intensifies scrutiny on the former governor amid multiple allegations, including queries over €1.4 million, suspicious payments totaling over N2.1 billion from Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue accounts, and other financial transfers.

El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing in related matters and maintains his detention violates his rights.

The case continues to draw attention amid ongoing probes by anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.