…Family denies claim
A fresh controversy has erupted between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, over claims that sophisticated wiretapping equipment and sensitive security documents were recovered from his Abuja residence.
In court processes filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the ICPC alleged that operatives retrieved “electronic magnetic equipment capable of tapping conversations” and “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” during a search conducted in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufa’i, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufa’i.
The Commission further claimed that el-Rufa’i declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until brought before a court. It also alleged that he admitted on national television to tapping the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribaɗu. According to the agency, one prosecution witness has sought protection over alleged threats, while an aide linked to the investigation reportedly fled the country.
The ICPC said it obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, to detain the former governor, an order set to expire on Thursday. It denied allegations of arbitrary detention and repression, urging the FCT High Court to dismiss el-Rufa’i’s fundamental rights enforcement suit.
The anti-graft body also listed corruption allegations against the former governor, including questions over the whereabouts of €1.4 million; 180 suspicious payments totalling ₦2.16 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s IGR account; and transfers amounting to ₦428.12 million to undisclosed accounts, among other claims.
However, el-Rufa’i’s family has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement dated March 2, 2026, his son, Mohammed el-Rufa’i, who represents Kaduna-North Federal Constituency, described the claims as false, politically motivated, and part of a “media war”.
“We were present when these items were seized. No equipment other than old discarded personal mobile phones and storage devices like flash drives and laptops were taken”, the statement read, insisting that no sophisticated tapping equipment or classified documents were recovered.
The family also defended the former governor’s decision to remain silent during questioning, citing constitutional protections. “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent. This is not non-cooperation; it is a fundamental human right,” the statement said, quoting el-Rufa’i as daring authorities to formally charge him if evidence exists.
In addition, the family challenged the validity of the search warrant, alleging it was fraudulently procured and has since been contested in court.
El-Rufa’i has been in custody since February 16, 2026, after voluntarily honouring an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was later transferred to ICPC custody on February 18 and remains detained under the court-approved remand order.
The ICPC further disclosed that it secured a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari on February 19 to detain El-Rufai while investigating allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, and financial misconduct during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. The order is due to expire on Thursday, and the Commission has indicated he may be released if formal charges are not filed before then.
The former governor, who served Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, is facing allegations of corruption and financial improprieties during his tenure. He has separately filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit, challenging the legality of the raid and his detention, and alleging violations of his rights to dignity, liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
