By DAYO ADESULU
The ICPC recovers alleged wiretapping devices from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor, , in what has quickly become one of the most politically charged investigations of the year.
Fresh court documents filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory reveal that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also seized sensitive security documents during a search of the former governor’s residence in Asokoro.
The filings emerged as El-Rufai challenges his detention, asking the court to enforce his fundamental human rights.
Search Conducted In Presence Of Family
According to the anti-graft agency, operatives executed a duly signed search warrant at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Abuja. The commission stated that the search took place in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.
Investigators claim they retrieved electronic magnetic devices allegedly capable of intercepting private telephone conversations. In addition, they said the search uncovered classified security documents belonging to various government agencies.
The ICPC argued in its filings that the materials recovered could compromise national security if misused.
Significantly, the commission alleged that El-Rufai declined to grant consent that would allow investigators access to the retrieved electronic equipment. A copy of the consent form, marked as Exhibit ICPC 5, was attached to the court processes.
Alleged Admission On National Television
In a striking claim, the commission referenced an interview aired on , where El-Rufai allegedly admitted to tapping the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, .
The anti-corruption agency told the court that investigators confronted the former governor with documents retrieved during preliminary inquiries. However, it said he has refused to respond to interviews so far.
Furthermore, the commission alleged that the former governor has threatened potential prosecution witnesses. One individual, it said, has already written to the agency requesting protection. The letter was marked as Exhibit ICPC 6 in the filings.
ICPC Denies Political Motive
While El-Rufai challenges his detention, the ICPC insists it acted within the bounds of the law.
The commission disclosed that it secured a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, authorising his detention. That order, according to court records, will expire on March 5, 2026.
In its response, the agency denied allegations of arbitrary detention or political persecution. Instead, it maintained that its actions followed due process.
Court documents show that on February 18, 2026, El-Rufai was released to the Department of State Services (DSS) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for onward transfer to the ICPC.
A day later, on February 19, the commission obtained the remand order to keep him in custody pending further investigation.
Petition, Failed Invitations And Airport Drama
The ICPC explained that its investigation began after it received a petition alleging corrupt practices against the former two-term governor.
Investigators said they conducted preliminary inquiries and retrieved documents from banks and other government institutions. After reviewing those materials, the agency claimed it made several attempts to formally invite El-Rufai for questioning.
According to the filings, multiple invitation letters yielded no response.
On February 5, 2026, the commission reportedly received intelligence that El-Rufai had arrived at the . It said operatives of the DSS were contacted to assist in arresting him, but the attempt did not succeed.
Subsequently, investigators traced him to his Abuja residence and served him with an invitation letter to appear before the commission on February 13 at 10am.
Through his lawyers, El-Rufai requested a new date — February 18.
However, before that agreed date, he honoured an invitation by the and was detained. Although the EFCC later granted him administrative bail, he reportedly failed to meet the conditions and remained in custody until he was handed over.
Multiple Corruption Allegations Surface
Beyond the ICPC recovers alleged wiretapping devices controversy, the commission also detailed several financial allegations.
Investigators are probing the whereabouts of €1.4 million allegedly linked to the former governor. In addition, the filings reference 180 suspicious payments amounting to N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account said to be connected to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account.
The agency also flagged transfers to undisclosed accounts as part of the ongoing investigation.
For now, the High Court of the FCT will determine whether the detention stands and whether the commission’s actions complied fully with constitutional safeguards.
As legal fireworks intensify, political observers say the case could reshape conversations around surveillance, executive power, and anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.
The coming days may prove decisive.
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