The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that it recovered devices allegedly used for wiretapping and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

According to the anti-graft agency,  it says it has obtained a court order to keep the former governor in custody for 14 days while investigations continue.

The detention order was granted by a Magistrate Court sitting in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory.

ICPC dismissed claims that el-Rufai was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted. It insisted that all actions taken so far followed due legal process.

In documents filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the commission asked the court to reject el-Rufai’s application alleging violation of his fundamental human rights.

The commission stated that investigators recovered electronic equipment capable of tapping phone conversations, alongside documents described as sensitive to national security. The items were allegedly found during a search carried out at his home in Asokoro, Abuja.

ICPC said the search was conducted in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed.

It further alleged that the former governor declined to cooperate with investigators and refused to grant access to the seized equipment.

According to the commission, one of el-Rufai’s aides linked to the investigation has fled the country.

The claims were contained in an affidavit sworn to by a litigation officer, David Efuk, and submitted to the court where el-Rufai is seeking release from custody.

ICPC stated that el-Rufai is being investigated over multiple corruption allegations, including the whereabouts of €1.4 million, suspicious payments totaling over N2.1 billion, and transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to more than N428 million.

The commission also cited alleged irregular withdrawals and transactions from accounts linked to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue.

In its court filing, ICPC said:

“On the 18th day of February, 2026, at about 7 pm, the applicant was released to the DSS by the EFCC to be handed over to the commission.

“On the 19th day of February, 2026, the commission obtained a remand order to keep the applicant in its custody for 14 days, which will lapse on the 5th day of March, 2026.

“The commission has since confronted the applicant with the retrieved documents during its preliminary investigation activities, but the applicant has refused to respond to interviews to date.

“On the 19th day of February, 2026, the commission executed a duly signed search warrant on the premises of the applicant at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja.

“During the search, which was witnessed by the applicant’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, the commission retrieved sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security.

“The applicant, on national television (Arise Television), admitted to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

“During the search operations, the commission retrieved electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations.

“He was asked to give consent to enable the commission access the equipment, but he refused. A copy of the consent form is attached and marked Exhibit ICPC 5.

“The search also retrieved sensitive security documents of various security agencies of the government.

“The applicant is also allegedly threatening likely prosecution witnesses, and one such witness has written to the commission seeking protection. A copy of the letter is attached and marked Exhibit ICPC 6.”

The agency maintained that el-Rufai’s detention was lawful and based on a valid court order.

It added:

“Contrary to the depositions of the applicant in his supporting affidavit, he is lawfully held in the custody of the commission, and the commission has not breached any of his fundamental rights as claimed.

ICPC does not arbitrarily arrest or detain suspects unlawfully, nor pose any physical danger to them.

“ICPC’s mandate is to investigate cases of corruption, abuse of office and related offences, and where there is prima facie evidence, prosecute alleged offenders.

“ICPC can only charge a person to court when investigations are concluded.

“Where investigation is ongoing, ICPC may request an alleged offender to report to its office daily until investigations are concluded or, where necessary, remand the alleged offender pending conclusion of investigations.

“ICPC undertakes to draw up charges against the applicant before the 5th of March, 2026, when the detention order will lapse.

“It is in the interest of justice to dismiss his application for lacking merit and allow the commission to investigate the allegations thoroughly in the public interest.”

The commission said the probe began after it received a petition accusing the former governor of corrupt practices while in office.

It explained that several attempts were made to invite el-Rufai for questioning before his arrest, but those efforts failed.

ICPC added that he was first detained by the EFCC after honoring an invitation and could not meet bail conditions before being handed over to the commission.

The petition against el-Rufai alleged serious financial irregularities, including unexplained foreign currency withdrawals, diversion of public revenue, violations of Kaduna State financial policies, and suspicious transfers to individuals and companies.

It also accused the past administration of collecting huge domestic and foreign loans for projects that were either abandoned or executed in violation of procurement laws.

In response, el-Rufai said the investigation was politically motivated.

He stated in an affidavit:

“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.

“Regarding this question and any other questions, I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence.

“I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings before a judicial tribunal and not to me.

“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.”