ICPC, El-Rufai’s Family Trade Words Over Wiretapping Equipment

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have traded claims and counterclaims over items allegedly recovered from his Abuja residence during a recent search operation. In court processes filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the ICPC alleged […]

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have traded claims and counterclaims over items allegedly recovered from his Abuja residence during a recent search operation.

In court processes filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the ICPC alleged that it recovered electronic equipment “capable of tapping conversations” as well as sensitive security documents during a search conducted at El-Rufai’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja.

According to the commission, the former governor was released to the Department of State Services (DSS) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 18, 2026, before being handed over to the ICPC.

The anti-graft agency stated that it obtained a remand order on February 19, 2026, to keep El-Rufai in custody for 14 days pending investigation, adding that the order would lapse on March 5, 2026.

The commission further said that it executed a search warrant at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja, on February 19, 2026.

“During the search, which was witnessed by the applicant’s wife and son, the commission retrieved sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security,” the ICPC stated in its court filing.

It also alleged that electronic magnetic equipment “capable of tapping conversations” was recovered from the premises. According to the commission, El-Rufai declined to grant consent for investigators to access the equipment.

The ICPC further claimed that the former governor had previously admitted on national television to intercepting communications involving the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and alleged that he had refused to respond to questions during its preliminary investigation.

In addition, the commission told the court that there were concerns about possible witness interference, stating that one potential witness had written to the agency seeking protection.

However, El-Rufai’s family has strongly disputed the commission’s claims.

In a statement issued on Monday, his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, described the ICPC’s account of items seized as inaccurate and challenged the legality of the search warrant used for the operation.

“We were present when these items were seized. No equipment other than old discarded personal mobile phones — some dating back as much as 20 years — storage devices like flash drives and laptops, which are standard possessions of any 21st-century citizen, were seized from the property,” Bello said.

He rejected the allegation that sophisticated tapping equipment or sensitive security documents were recovered, describing such claims as unfounded.

The former governor’s son also alleged that the search warrant was “legally defective,” claiming it was fraudulently procured. He said the family’s legal team had challenged the validity of the warrant in court.

“Our lawyers have challenged this warrant in a court of competent jurisdiction. We have faith that the judiciary will determine the legality of the search and the claims arising from it,” he stated.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody following his transfer from the EFCC, where he was reportedly questioned over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

While the ICPC has urged the court to dismiss El-Rufai’s application challenging his detention, maintaining that it acted in line with a valid court order, the former governor’s family insists the investigation and search process were flawed.