BREAKING: ICPC RECOVERS WIRETAPPING EQUIPMENT, SECURITY DOCUMENTS FROM EL-RUFAI’S RESIDENCE

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has recovered wiretapping equipment allegedly capable of intercepting conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The commission disclosed that the items were seized during a search operation conducted in the presence of the former governor’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello.

In legal documents filed before a court, the anti-graft agency alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is brought before a court. The ICPC further claimed that an aide of the former governor, who is linked to the investigation, has fled the country.

The commission stated that it obtained a legal order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory to detain El-Rufai for 14 days, an order that is due to expire on Thursday. It denied allegations of arbitrary detention and repression made by the former governor and urged the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory to dismiss his application, in which he alleged a violation of his fundamental human rights.

Beyond the recovery of the surveillance equipment, the ICPC said El-Rufai faces serious corruption allegations. According to the commission, these include questions over the whereabouts of €1.4 million, as well as 180 suspicious payments totaling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue account. The agency also flagged transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18.

The former governor is currently in detention as he seeks legal redress for his release.