The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered suspected wiretapping equipment from the Abuja residence of former Nasir El-Rufai. The devices are alleged to have the capability to intercept private conversations and access sensitive security documents.
The recovery took place during a search conducted in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and son, Mohammed Bello. The ICPC said the former governor refused to cooperate with investigators, remaining silent until formally arraigned in court, while one of his aides linked to the probe reportedly fled the country.
The agency revealed the details in filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where El-Rufai is challenging what he claims is unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental human rights. The ICPC said it obtained a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, to hold the former governor while investigations continue, with the order set to expire on Thursday.
Dismissing claims of arbitrary detention and political repression, the commission urged the High Court to reject El-Rufai’s application. It stressed that the detention and investigation are part of its mandate to probe alleged corrupt practices.
The ICPC also accused El-Rufai of multiple corruption-related irregularities, including the disappearance of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious payments totaling over N2.1 billion from Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue account, and transfers of more than N428 million to undisclosed accounts, among other alleged financial misconduct.
