The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that it recovered suspected wiretapping equipment allegedly capable of intercepting private communications and accessing sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
According to court filings submitted by the anti-graft agency, the items were retrieved during a search conducted at El-Rufai’s home in the presence of his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
The commission further alleged that the former governor declined to cooperate with investigators and opted to remain silent pending formal arraignment in court. It also claimed that one of his aides linked to the probe has fled the country.
The revelations were contained in legal processes filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where El-Rufai is challenging what he described as unlawful detention and a violation of his fundamental human rights.
The ICPC stated that it secured a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, to hold the former governor while investigations continue.
The order is expected to expire on Thursday.
Rejecting allegations of political persecution and arbitrary detention, the commission urged the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to dismiss El-Rufai’s application.
The anti-corruption agency maintained that the former governor has questions to answer over multiple allegations, including the alleged disappearance of €1.4 million; 180 suspicious payments amounting to N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue account; and transfers totalling N428.12 million to undisclosed accounts.
The matter is expected to proceed in court as both parties press their claims.
