By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of tapping telephone conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this in an affidavit deposed to by its Litigation Officer, David Efuk, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where el-Rufai is challenging his detention as a violation of his fundamental human rights.
Court Grants 14-Day Remand Order
ICPC said it obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, on February 19, 2026, authorising it to keep the former governor in custody for 14 days to enable it conclude investigations. The order, the commission noted, will lapse on March 5, 2026.
The commission denied allegations of arbitrary detention, insisting that el-Rufai is being lawfully held pursuant to a valid court order.
“Contrary to the depositions of the applicant, he is lawfully held in the custody of the commission, and the commission has not breached any of his fundamental rights,” the affidavit stated.
‘Sensitive Documents Retrieved in Presence of Family’
According to ICPC, a search warrant was executed on February 19 at el-Rufai’s residence at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja.
The commission said the operation was witnessed by his wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, during which “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” were retrieved.
It further alleged that electronic magnetic equipment capable of intercepting conversations was recovered.
The commission claimed that the former governor declined to grant consent for investigators to access the equipment, adding that he has refused to respond to interview questions, opting instead to remain silent until arraigned in court.
ICPC also referenced a national television interview on Arise Television where el-Rufai allegedly admitted to tapping the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Aide Flees, Witness Seeks Protection
The anti-corruption agency disclosed that an aide of the former governor linked to the investigation has left the country.
It further alleged that el-Rufai has been threatening likely prosecution witnesses, noting that one witness has formally written to the commission seeking protection.
€1.4m, N2.1bn Suspicious Payments Under Probe
ICPC said the former governor has serious corruption allegations to answer, including:
The whereabouts of €1.4 million allegedly withdrawn in foreign currency.
180 suspicious payments totalling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s IGR.
Transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18.
Diversion of funds to individuals and companies totalling N393,752,670.05.
Use of a debit card on a revenue bank account involving transactions of N721,672,854.88.
Alleged failure to remit public funds into the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
The petition also alleged discrepancies in Kaduna State’s debt profile, including domestic loans of N98.912 billion and foreign loans exceeding $7.3 billion contracted between 2015 and 2023.
According to the petitioners, while the state embarked on ambitious projects during the period, several were allegedly executed in contravention of procurement laws, with some abandoned despite full payment to contractors.
Invitation, Arrest Attempts and EFCC Detention
ICPC said it made several attempts to invite el-Rufai for questioning, but formal letters were allegedly ignored.
The commission disclosed that upon receiving intelligence about his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, it sought the assistance of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to effect his arrest, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
It added that el-Rufai was later invited to appear before the commission on February 13, 2026, but through his lawyers requested to reschedule to February 18.
Before that date, he had reportedly honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was detained and later granted administrative bail but allegedly failed to meet the conditions.
ICPC said he was eventually handed over to the commission on February 18 at about 7pm.
‘Dismiss His Suit, Let Us Conclude Investigation’ – ICPC
The commission has asked the High Court to dismiss el-Rufai’s fundamental rights enforcement suit, arguing that it lacks merit and would hinder ongoing investigations.
“ICPC can only charge a person to court when investigations are concluded,” it said, adding that it undertakes to file charges before the expiration of the remand order.
“It is in the interest of justice to dismiss his application and allow the commission to investigate the allegations thoroughly in the public interest.”
el-Rufai: ‘This Is Political Persecution’
In a sworn statement to the commission, el-Rufai denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as political persecution.
He said he would exercise his constitutional right to silence until arraigned before a competent court.
“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which I consider the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, and that is the real reason I am being investigated,” he stated.
“I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law. I do not believe these investigations amount to law enforcement. This is political persecution which only a judge can decide upon.”
As the March 5 deadline approaches, all eyes are now on the FCT High Court to determine the next phase of the high-profile anti-corruption probe.
Kaduna Coalition Plans Mass Protests, Demands El-Rufai’s Continued Detention
Meanwhile, a civil society coalition operating under the banner of Kaduna Voices United has announced plans to stage coordinated mass protests across Kaduna State, calling for the continued detention of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the expansion of investigations into alleged human rights violations during his administration.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Nura Basiru, the group said the demonstrations would be held simultaneously in major locations across the state and would culminate in a central rally in Kaduna, the state capital.
According to Basiru, the protests are aimed at demanding accountability for what the coalition described as years of suppression of dissent, extrajudicial killings and disregard for judicial authority while El-Rufai was in office.
“The purpose of these protests is to demand the continued detention of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and to advocate for the extension of ongoing investigations into his legacy,” Basiru said. “This legacy is marred by the suppression of dissent, extrajudicial killings and a blatant disregard for judicial authority.”
He added that Kaduna Voices United had formed what he described as a “powerful citizens’ front” committed to pursuing justice for victims of alleged abuses recorded during the former governor’s tenure.
Among the incidents cited by the coalition was the December 2015 clash in Zaria between government forces and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibraheem El-Zakzaky. The confrontation, often referred to as the Zaria Shiite crisis, reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds.
Basiru referenced findings attributed to the International Human Rights Commission, alleging excessive use of force by security agencies during the incident. He also cited reports by Human Rights Watch condemning the handling of protests during the period.
“Numerous reports have accused the administration of employing security agencies to suppress protests with excessive force and intimidation,” Basiru stated. “Civilians engaged in peaceful demonstrations should not be subjected to violence.”
The coalition also drew attention to the unresolved disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has remained missing since his abduction in August 2019.
“Perhaps one of the most haunting stories to emerge from this dark chapter in Kaduna’s history is the unresolved disappearance of Abubakar Idris,” Basiru said. “The impunity surrounding his case reflects a broader culture of oppression and enforced disappearances.”
Kaduna Voices United maintained that its campaign represents a broader movement against human rights violations and what it termed authoritarian tendencies in governance. The group insisted that confronting past abuses is necessary to safeguard citizens’ rights and prevent a recurrence.
“The continued detention of Nasir El-Rufai is necessary not for vengeance, but as a clear message that human rights violations will not be tolerated,” Basiru added. “We invite all citizens, civil society organisations and human rights advocates to join us in rallying peacefully against these injustices.”
As of press time, there was no official response from El-Rufai or his representatives regarding the allegations and the planned protests.
