The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it retrieved wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai. A Magistrate Court granted the commission a 14-day remand to investigate allegations of corruption and illegal surveillance.

ICPC accused el-Rufai of failing to cooperate, withholding answers on the whereabouts of €1.4 million, suspicious transfers totaling over N2.15 billion, and diverting funds to undisclosed accounts. The search was witnessed by his wife and son, and an aide linked to the case reportedly fled the country.

El-Rufai denied wrongdoing, claiming the probe is political persecution due to his position in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has exercised his right to silence, insisting any response should come before a court, not the commission.

The ICPC insisted his detention is lawful, urging the High Court to dismiss el-Rufai’s fundamental rights suit, while promising to conclude investigations and press charges before the remand expires on March 5, 2026.