Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is pressing ahead with its investigation of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, following a court-approved search of his Abuja residence and a temporary detention order.
Court documents show that the anti-corruption agency recovered electronic devices allegedly capable of intercepting telephone communications, along with sensitive documents linked to national security, during a search carried out at el-Rufai’s home in the Asokoro District of Abuja.
The operation was conducted on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, under a search warrant issued by a Magistrate Court in Bwari, within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. The commission said the search was conducted in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello el-Rufai.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission also obtained a legal order allowing it to detain the former governor for 14 days while investigations continue. The detention period is expected to end on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
In filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the commission rejected claims that el-Rufai’s detention was unlawful or politically motivated. It asked the court to dismiss his application seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights and immediate release.
According to the commission, the investigation covers alleged financial irregularities linked to el-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State, a major state in north-western Nigeria. These include unexplained cash withdrawals of €1.4 million (about $1.5 million), 180 payments totalling ₦2,158,799,199 (about $1.44 million) from a government-linked revenue account, and additional transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to ₦428,122,180.18 (about $285,000).
The agency further alleged that an aide connected to the case has left the country and that at least one potential prosecution witness has requested protection after receiving threats.
In its affidavit, the commission stated: “The commission has since confronted the applicant with the retrieved documents during its preliminary investigation activities, but the applicant has refused to respond to interviews to date.”
The filing also cited el-Rufai’s televised remarks in which he acknowledged tapping telephone conversations of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Investigators said el-Rufai was first detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after honouring an invitation, but was later transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission through the Department of State Services.
El-Rufai, who is a senior member of the African Democratic Congress, described the investigation as political persecution and said he would only respond to allegations in court.
The commission insists it followed due process from the moment it received a petition alleging corruption, abuse of office, and violations of Kaduna State’s financial and procurement laws. It said formal charges would be filed once investigations are completed.