The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a 14-day remand order to detain former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as it intensifies investigations into alleged corruption and security-related infractions.
The commission disclosed in court filings that it also recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations, along with sensitive security documents, during a search of the former governor’s residence in Abuja.
According to an affidavit deposed to by its litigation officer, David Efuk, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the ICPC obtained the remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, on February 19, 2026.
The order, which allows the commission to keep el-Rufai in custody for 14 days pending investigation, is due to expire on March 5, 2026.
The anti-graft agency denied allegations of arbitrary detention and political repression, insisting that the former governor is being lawfully held in line with due process.
The Commission said it executed a duly signed search warrant on February 19 at el-Rufai’s residence located at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja.
It stated that the search was conducted in the presence of his wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai.
During the operation, the commission claimed it retrieved electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations as well as sensitive documents belonging to various security agencies.
The agency further alleged that el-Rufai admitted during a programme on Arise Television to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the affidavit, investigators sought the former governor’s consent to access and examine the equipment, but he declined.
The commission said he has also refused to respond to interviews, opting instead to exercise his right to remain silent until arraigned in court.
The ICPC further alleged that an aide linked to the investigation has fled the country and that one of the prospective witnesses has formally requested protection over alleged threats.
The commission said the investigation was triggered by a petition detailing alleged financial irregularities during el-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
In its court filings, the ICPC listed several allegations, including questions surrounding €1.4 million reportedly withdrawn in foreign currency with unclear purpose.
It also cited 180 suspicious payments amounting to N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account, as well as transfers to undisclosed accounts totalling N428,122,180.18.
The affidavit further alleged diversion of N393,752,670.05 to individuals and companies, the use of a debit card on a revenue bank account with total transactions of N721,672,854.88, and failure to remit certain revenues into the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
The commission also referenced an alleged violation of Section 3.3.1 of the Kaduna State Financial Policies and Procedures Manual 2016.
Additionally, the petition claimed that the Kaduna State Government under his administration secured about N98.912 billion in domestic loans and over $7.36 billion in foreign loans for developmental projects.
Some of these projects were allegedly executed in breach of procurement laws, while several were reportedly abandoned despite full payments to contractors.
The ICPC maintained that it followed due process in inviting el-Rufai for questioning, stating that earlier efforts through formal letters were unsuccessful until he was personally served at his Abuja residence.
It added that he had earlier honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was detained. Although he was reportedly granted administrative bail, he was said to have been unable to meet the conditions before being transferred to ICPC custody.
The commission stressed that it does not arbitrarily arrest or detain suspects and that it can only file charges upon conclusion of investigations. It assured the court that it intends to draw up charges against the former governor before the expiration of the remand order.
In his statement on oath, el-Rufai described the investigation as politically motivated, alleging that he is being targeted due to his role in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). He stated that he would only respond to the allegations in a court of law.
“I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law. I do not believe these investigations amount to law enforcement. This is political persecution which only a judge can decide upon,” he said.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is expected to determine his fundamental rights enforcement application while the ICPC continues its probe.
