ICPC discovers phone-tapping equipment at El-Rufai’s Abuja residence, alleges massive corruption

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered equipment allegedly used for phone conversation tapping from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

The commission disclosed that it obtained a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, which will expire on March 5, 2026. ICPC dismissed claims of unlawful detention or persecution against the former governor.

In response to el-Rufai’s fundamental human rights lawsuit, the commission has urged the FCT High Court to dismiss the case, maintaining that the former governor has serious corruption allegations to address.

According to ICPC, investigations revealed several suspicious financial transactions during el-Rufai’s tenure, including:

· €1.4 million in foreign cash withdrawals with unclear whereabouts

· 180 suspicious payments totaling N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s IGR

· Transfers of N428.1 million to undisclosed accounts

· Alleged diversion of N393.7 million in public funds

· Debit card transactions totaling N721.6 million on a revenue bank account

The commission also flagged discrepancies in Kaduna State’s debt profile, alleging mismanagement of domestic and foreign loans obtained under the previous administration.

ICPC stated that it conducted a search at el-Rufai’s residence on February 19, 2026, witnessed by his wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai.

The operation yielded sensitive security documents and electronic equipment allegedly capable of intercepting phone conversations.

The commission claimed el-Rufai refused to grant access to the equipment when requested.

It further alleged that during a television interview, the former governor admitted to tapping phone conversations of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

ICPC explained that investigations commenced following a petition alleging corrupt practices during el-Rufai’s governorship from 2015 to 2023.

The commission claimed multiple formal invitations were ignored by the former governor.

According to ICPC, one of el-Rufai’s aides connected to the investigation has left the country.

The commission also alleged that the former governor has maintained silence and refused to cooperate with investigators, choosing to speak only in court.

The former governor has described the investigation as political persecution, citing his position as a leading member of the African Democratic Congress and his opposition role.

He stated that, on legal advice, he will only respond to allegations in court.

El-Rufai maintained that the matter should be determined by a judicial process rather than what he termed political investigations.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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