ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Device, Detains Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered suspected wiretapping equipment from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the agency said yesterday.

Court documents obtained by Patriotic Insights News indicate that the devices, allegedly capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing sensitive security information, were seized during a search conducted in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and their son, Mohammed Bello.

The ICPC further alleged that El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until his formal arraignment in court. The agency also noted that one of his aides linked to the probe has reportedly fled the country.

Legal filings submitted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory reveal that El-Rufai is challenging what he described as unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental rights. Meanwhile, the ICPC obtained a 14-day detention order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, to facilitate ongoing investigations. The detention order is set to expire on Thursday.

Dismissing claims of arbitrary detention and political persecution, the commission urged the High Court to dismiss El-Rufai’s suit, stressing that the former governor faces multiple allegations of financial misconduct. These include the alleged disappearance of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious payments totaling ₦2.158 billion from Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) account, and transfers of ₦428 million to undisclosed accounts.

The ICPC maintained that the investigations remain ongoing, and El-Rufai is expected to answer questions relating to the alleged irregularities.