The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja home of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, according to court filings and official statements.

The anti-graft agency told the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory that its operatives carried out a search of El-Rufai’s residence on Mambila Street in Asokoro District on February 19, 2026 after obtaining a warrant from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, officials said. The equipment and documents were recovered in the presence of his wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, ICPC said.

In an affidavit deposed to by an ICPC Litigation Officer, the commission said the items found include electronic magnetic devices it alleges could be used to intercept telephone conversations and access classified information, along with documents that could compromise national security. El-Rufai was reportedly asked to give consent to enable investigators to access the seized equipment but declined to cooperate, the commission added.

The recovery of the alleged wiretapping gear forms part of a broader ICPC investigation into allegations of misconduct and corruption linked to El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State. These include questions raised about large sums of unexplained funds and several suspicious financial transactions, the ICPC says.

El-Rufai, who is currently challenging the legality of his detention before the FCT High Court, has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the commission over the search of his residence, calling it unlawful. The ICPC has asked the court to dismiss that suit and allow its ongoing investigation to continue unimpeded.

The commission also asserted that an aide linked to the investigation has reportedly fled the country, and that allegations of witness intimidation have surfaced, with one potential prosecution witness seeking protection, according to court filings.