Abuja — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly recovered wiretapping equipment, allegedly capable of intercepting conversations and sensitive security documents, from the Abuja residence of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The commission stated that all suspected items were retrieved during a search conducted in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello.
The anti-graft agency also claims that the former governor has refused to cooperate with investigators, opting “to remain silent until he is brought before a court.” Additionally, the ICPC alleged that an aide to the former governor, connected to the ongoing investigation, has fled the country. These assertions were made by the ICPC in court filings responding to El-Rufai’s suit seeking redress and release from detention.
The commission further revealed it secured a legal order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to detain El-Rufai for 14 days, with the detention period set to expire this Thursday. The ICPC refutes allegations of arbitrary detention and repression against the former governor, urging the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory to dismiss El-Rufai’s application claiming a violation of his fundamental human rights.
The ICPC highlighted that the former governor faces several corruption allegations. These include questions regarding the whereabouts 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) account, and transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18, among other accusations.
