The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has stated that it recovered suspected wiretapping equipment allegedly capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
According to court filings by the anti-graft agency, the items were retrieved during a search conducted at the residence in the presence of his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
The commission further alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is formally arraigned in court. It also claimed that one of his aides linked to the investigation has fled the country.
The ICPC disclosed these details in legal processes filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where El-Rufai is seeking redress, challenging what he described as unlawful detention and a violation of his fundamental human rights.
The agency stated that it obtained 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.
Denying allegations of arbitrary detention and political persecution, the ICPC urged the High Court of the FCT to dismiss El-Rufai’s application.
The commission also alleged that the former governor has questions to answer regarding multiple corruption claims, including the alleged disappearance of €1.4 million; 180 suspicious payments totalling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue account; and transfers amounting to N428,122,180.18 to undisclosed accounts, among other allegations.
