Inside the Raid: How ICPC retrieved alleged tapping equipment from El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has recovered equipment allegedly used for tapping phone conversations from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

The commission said it obtained a court order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to detain el-Rufai for 14 days. The detention order will expire on March 5, 2026.

ICPC denied claims that it is unlawfully detaining or persecuting the former governor. It has asked the High Court of the FCT to dismiss el-Rufai’s lawsuit, in which he alleged that his fundamental human rights were violated.

According to ICPC, el-Rufai has questions to answer regarding several corruption allegations. These include:

The whereabouts of €1.4 million in foreign cash withdrawals.

180 suspicious payments totaling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Transfers to undisclosed accounts totaling N428,122,180.18.

Alleged diversion of public funds amounting to N393,752,670.05.

Use of a debit card on a revenue bank account with transactions totaling N721,672,854.88.

The commission also alleged discrepancies in Kaduna State’s debt profile and claimed that the previous administration collected large domestic and foreign loans, some of which were allegedly mismanaged.

ICPC said it carried out a search at el-Rufai’s residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja, on February 19, 2026. The search was reportedly witnessed by his wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai.

During the search, the commission said it recovered sensitive security documents and electronic equipment allegedly capable of tapping phone conversations. ICPC claimed that el-Rufai refused to grant access to the equipment when asked.

The commission also alleged that el-Rufai had admitted during a television interview that he tapped the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

ICPC further stated that one of el-Rufai’s aides connected to the investigation has left the country. It also claimed that the former governor has refused to cooperate with investigators and has chosen to remain silent until he is brought before a court.

The commission maintained that el-Rufai’s detention is lawful and based on a valid court order. It said it is carrying out its duty to investigate corruption and will file charges before the detention order expires.

ICPC explained that it began investigating el-Rufai after receiving a petition alleging corrupt practices during his time as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. The commission said it made several attempts to invite him for questioning through formal letters, but he did not respond.

It added that he was earlier invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was detained and later granted administrative bail but could not meet the bail conditions.

In his response, el-Rufai described the investigation as political persecution. He said he is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and believes he is being targeted because of his opposition role.

He stated that, on the advice of his lawyers, he has decided to remain silent and will only respond to the allegations in court.

El-Rufai said the matter should be decided by a judge and not through what he described as political investigations.