Equipment capable of tapping telephone conversations has been recovered from former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai’s residence, the ICPC said in court filings.
The agency said it also recovered sensitive security documents from the former Kaduna governor’s home in Abuja after executing a search warrant.
The commission said all the suspected items were retrieved in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offenses Commission (ICPC) revealed this in an affidavit deposed to by a Litigation Officer, David Efuk, before the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, where el-Rufai is seeking redress and release from detention.
The Nation reports on Monday that after the submission, ICPC also urged the court to dismiss el-Rufai’s application alleging violation of his fundamental human rights.
The anti-graft agency made the claims in processes filed before the court, seeking the dismissal of the fundamental human rights enforcement suit.
The anti-graft commission also said it obtained a legal order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to detain el-Rufai for 14 days, which is due to expire on Thursday.
However, it rejected allegations of arbitrary detention and repression of the former governor.
The ICPC, according to the report, said the el-Rufai has corruption allegations to answer, including questions over the whereabouts of €1.4 million; 180 suspicious payments totalling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s IGR account; and transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18, among others.
It said Mr el-Rufai’s aide, allegedly linked to the matter, has fled the country.
The agency also alleged that the former governor declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is brought before a court.
The ICPC’s affidavit reads in parts:
“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 commission insisted that el-Rufai was lawfully detained pursuant to a remand order issued by a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT.
It said the court granted the commission 14 days to keep him in custody to enable it conduct investigations.
