Court Allows ICPC to Analyze El-Rufai's Seized Devices

On Thursday, February 20, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) permission to access and analyze electronic devices seized from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's residence. The order allows the ICPC to conduct a forensic examination of the devices, which include various storage devices and mobile phones, to extract data relevant to the investigation.

El-Rufai had previously filed a separate suit challenging the legality of the search conducted on February 19, 2026, claiming it violated his fundamental rights and seeking N1 billion in damages. The ICPC countered that the search was conducted under a valid warrant and was necessary for their investigation.

The court ruled that the ICPC is entitled to examine the seized items for forensic analysis as part of their ongoing investigation into corruption allegations involving El-Rufai.