The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has recovered electronic equipment allegedly capable of intercepting telephone conversations, along with sensitive security documents, from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai. The agency disclosed this in court filings opposing the ex-governor’s suit challenging his detention.
According to the commission, a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted it a 14-day remand order to keep el-Rufai in custody to allow for further investigation. The ICPC insisted that the detention was lawful and denied claims that his fundamental rights had been violated, adding that it does not engage in arbitrary arrests or unlawful confinement of suspects.
In an affidavit deposed to by its litigation officer, the commission said the search of el-Rufai’s residence at Aso Drive, Abuja, was conducted with a valid warrant and in the presence of his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed. It alleged that during the operation, investigators retrieved magnetic electronic devices believed to be capable of tapping conversations, as well as documents described as sensitive to national security. The commission further claimed that el-Rufai declined to grant consent for access to the devices.
The ICPC also accused the former governor of failing to cooperate with investigators, stating that he opted to remain silent pending his arraignment in court. It alleged that he had threatened potential prosecution witnesses, with one reportedly seeking protection from the agency. Additionally, the commission said an aide linked to the investigation had left the country.
On the financial allegations, the commission listed several issues it said el-Rufai must answer to, including questions surrounding €1.4 million in foreign currency withdrawals, 180 suspicious payments amounting to over N2.15 billion from a Consolidated Revenue Account tied to Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue, and transfers to undisclosed accounts totalling more than N428 million. Other allegations in the petition include discrepancies in the state’s debt profile, alleged diversion of public revenue, and violations of procurement laws during his administration.
In his response on oath, el-Rufai described the investigation as political persecution, stating that he is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress and believes that is the real reason behind the probe. Acting on the advice of his counsel, he said he would exercise his right to remain silent until arraigned before a court of law, maintaining that only a judge can determine the merit of the allegations against him.
