ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Device from El-Rufai’s Residence

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the recovery of suspected wiretapping equipment from the Abuja residence of former Nasir El-Rufai, reportedly capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing sensitive security documents.

Court documents filed by the anti-graft agency indicate that the items were seized during a search at El-Rufai’s residence, conducted in the presence of his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello.

The commission alleged that the former governor refused to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is formally arraigned. ICPC also claimed that one of his aides connected to the investigation has fled the country.

Details of the search and seizure were included in filings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where El-Rufai is challenging what he described as unlawful detention and violations of his fundamental rights.

According to the ICPC, a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, issued a 14-day detention order to hold El-Rufai while investigations continue, with the order set to expire on Thursday.

Rejecting claims of arbitrary detention and political persecution, the commission urged the High Court to dismiss El-Rufai’s application.

The ICPC further stated that the former governor faces questions regarding multiple alleged corruption cases, including the disappearance 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 (IGR), and transfers amounting to N428,122,180.18 to undisclosed accounts, among other allegations.