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ICPC says it seized wiretapping equipment from Nasir El-Rufai’s Abuja residence.
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Agency claims recovery of sensitive security documents during court-approved search.
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El-Rufai challenges detention at FCT High Court as probe deepens.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that it recovered suspected electronic wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The anti-graft agency made the claim in court filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where El-Rufai is challenging his detention and seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights.
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According to the commission, the items were retrieved during the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Asokoro.
The search, it said, was conducted in the presence of his wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.
READ ALSO: ICPC probe stalls El-Rufai’s arraignment
The ICPC alleged that the recovered electronic magnetic devices were capable of intercepting private communications.
It also claimed that sensitive documents belonging to various security agencies were found on the premises, warning that such materials could compromise national security.
In its affidavit, the commission stated that El-Rufai declined to respond to investigators’ questions and refused consent to access the retrieved equipment for forensic examination.
It further alleged that he had admitted on television to tapping conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The agency denied allegations of arbitrary detention, insisting it obtained a valid 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, which is scheduled to expire on March 5, 2026.
The ICPC also detailed corruption allegations against the former governor, including questions over the whereabouts of €1.4 million and 180 suspicious payments amounting to over ₦2.1 billion allegedly traced to Kaduna State accounts.
It added that the investigation was initiated following a petition and that efforts were made to formally invite El-Rufai before his eventual arrest, with assistance from the Department of State Services and earlier interactions involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
As of press time, the matter remains before the FCT High Court, with El-Rufai contesting the legality of his detention while the ICPC maintains it acted within the bounds of the law.