*Secures 14-day remand

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is claiming it uncovered electronic spy gear and explosive security documents inside the Asokoro residence of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.

In a stunning affidavit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the commission declared that operatives executing a search warrant at No. 12 Mambila Street allegedly retrieved “electronic magnetic equipment capable of tapping conversations” — along with classified security papers that could, in its words, compromise national security.

The search, carried out on February 19, 2026, was witnessed by el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, according to court records.

The ICPC equally confirmed that it secured a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, allowing it to detain the former minister of FCT until March 5, 2026, as investigations continue.

The commission insisted that the detention is lawful and denied accusations of repression or rights abuse.

“El-Rufai is lawfully held,” the commission said, rejecting claims of arbitrary detention.

It promised to file charges against el-Rufai before the remand order lapses.

Fighting back via his sworn statement, el-Rufai claimed that he is being targeted for his political stance, describing the debacle as “political persecution.”

“I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law,” pointing to his constitutional right to silence until arraignment.

At the heart of the scandal are eye-watering financial allegations.

According to the ICPC, el-Rufai has questions to answer bothering on the following issues:

*€1.4 million in foreign currency cash withdrawals with unclear purpose

*180 suspicious payments totalling N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna’s IGR

*Transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428.1 million

*Diversion of N393.7 million to individuals and companies

*Debit card transactions worth N721.6 million on a revenue account

The petition that triggered the probe paints an even darker picture: nearly N98.9 billion in domestic loans while he was governor, and a staggering $7.36 billion in foreign loans allegedly collected during his administration between 2015 and 2023.

Some projects, it claims, were abandoned despite full payment, adding that procurement laws generally were flouted.

The commission also alleged that one of his aides linked to the case has fled the country, while another potential prosecution witness has formally sought protection, claiming threats to his life.

On February 5, ICPC operatives reportedly received intelligence that el-Rufai had arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and sought assistance from the Department of State Security (DSS) to arrest him, unsuccessfully.

He was later detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after honouring an invitation.

Though granted administrative bail, he reportedly failed to meet the conditions and remained in custody before being transferred to the ICPC on February 18.

By February 19, the ICPC had secured its remand order and executed the search warrant that has now ignited national debate.

The ICPC referred to an appearance by el-Rufai on Arise Television, where he allegedly admitted tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu – an admission, legal minds say cannot be discountenanced in court.

ICPC investigators disclosed they confronted el-Rufai with the retrieved documents, but he has refused to answer questions, choosing to remain silence.

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