Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the recovery of alleged wiretapping equipment and sensitive security-related documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In court filings, the anti-graft agency said the items, believed to be capable of intercepting private conversations, were retrieved during a search of the former governor’s home. According to the commission, the operation was carried out in the presence of his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
The ICPC further alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, choosing to remain silent pending his appearance in court. The commission also disclosed that one of his aides connected to the investigation had reportedly fled the country.
These claims were contained in documents submitted before the court, where the former governor is seeking redress and his release from detention.
The commission revealed that it had earlier obtained a detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, within the Federal Capital Territory, allowing El-Rufai to be held for 14 days. The order, it said, is expected to expire on Thursday.
Rejecting allegations of unlawful detention and political repression, the ICPC urged the High Court of the FCT to dismiss the application filed by El-Rufai, in which he accused the agency of violating his fundamental human rights.
The anti-corruption body maintained that the former governor has serious allegations to answer, including queries over the whereabouts of €1.4 million, as well as 180 suspicious transactions totaling N2,158,799,199 linked to a Consolidated Revenue Account associated with Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account.
It also cited additional transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18, among other financial irregularities currently under investigation.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to pursuing the case in line with due process, stressing that the investigation is part of its broader mandate to promote transparency and accountability in public office.
