The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that it recovered suspected wiretapping equipment allegedly capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State.
According to Business Day , a case filed before the High Court, the anti-graft agency stated that the items were retrieved during a search conducted at El-Rufai’s residence in the presence of his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
The commission alleged that the devices are sophisticated surveillance tools suspected to have the capacity to intercept communications and gain access to classified materials, though specific technical details were not disclosed in the filings.
The disclosure forms part of the commission’s response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted by El-Rufai, who is challenging what he described as unlawful detention and a violation of his constitutional rights.
The former governor is seeking relief from the High Court, arguing that his detention amounts to arbitrary action and political repression.
In its counter-affidavit, the ICPC maintained that it acted within the law, stating that it obtained a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court sitting in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, to hold the former governor while investigations continue.
The anti-corruption agency further alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, choosing to remain silent until he is formally arraigned before a competent court.
It also claimed that one of his aides linked to the investigation has fled the country, a development it suggested could undermine ongoing investigative efforts.
Beyond the alleged recovery of surveillance equipment, the ICPC told the court that the former governor has questions to answer over multiple corruption allegations.
According to the Commission, these include 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.
While urging the High Court to dismiss El-Rufai’s application, the commission insisted that there was no arbitrary detention and that its actions were in line with established legal procedures.
