The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the recovery of suspected wiretapping equipment allegedly capable of intercepting conversations and accessing sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The commission disclosed that the items were retrieved during a lawful search conducted as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to the anti-graft agency, the search was carried out in the presence of the former governor’s wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello. Officials stated that all recovered items were documented and secured in compliance with investigative procedures.
The commission further alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, choosing to remain silent pending his appearance before a competent court of law. It also claimed that an aide linked to the investigation had fled the country, raising concerns about possible obstruction of justice.
These claims were contained in court processes filed by the ICPC in response to a legal action initiated by the former governor, who is seeking redress and release from detention. The agency maintained that its actions were guided strictly by legal provisions and investigative necessity.
The ICPC revealed that it obtained a detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), authorizing El-Rufai’s detention for 14 days, an order scheduled to expire on Thursday. The commission denied allegations of arbitrary detention and repression, urging the High Court of the FCT to dismiss the application alleging violations of fundamental human rights.
Additionally, the anti-corruption body stated that the former governor has several corruption allegations to answer, including questions surrounding the whereabouts of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious payments totaling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue, and transfers amounting to N428,122,180.18 into undisclosed accounts.
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