The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has defended its recent raid on the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, stating that wiretapping equipment and sensitive security documents were recovered during the operation.
According to an affidavit sworn to by a litigation officer of the commission, David Efuk, and filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the items seized during the search included electronic magnetic devices allegedly capable of intercepting telephone conversations, as well as documents described as sensitive to national security.
The development follows a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by el-Rufai against the ICPC, in which he accused the agency of unlawfully invading his Abuja residence. In response, the anti-corruption body urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that its actions were lawful and properly authorised.
The commission stated that the search of the property located at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja, conducted on February 19, 2026, was carried out under a valid search warrant issued by a Magistrate Court.
ICPC further noted that el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, were present during the operation and witnessed the recovery of the materials in question.
The agency also referenced an earlier appearance by the former governor on Arise Television, where he allegedly admitted to tapping the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
During the search, ICPC said it recovered electronic equipment suspected to be capable of intercepting communications. However, the commission claimed that el-Rufai declined to grant consent for investigators to access and examine the devices.
The commission added that in cases where investigations are ongoing, it reserves the right to require suspects to report daily or, where necessary, seek a remand order pending the conclusion of investigations.
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