The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has told a court that it recovered suspected wiretapping equipment and sensitive security-related materials from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

According to court filings, the items were retrieved during a search conducted in the presence of his wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello. The commission alleged that the equipment was capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing classified security documents.

The anti-graft agency further claimed that el-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, choosing to remain silent pending his appearance in court. It also alleged that one of his aides connected to the probe had fled the country.

The ICPC made the assertions in response to a suit filed by the former governor at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where he is challenging his detention and alleging violations of his fundamental human rights.

The commission disclosed that it secured a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, to detain the former governor. The order is scheduled to expire on Thursday.

Denying allegations of arbitrary detention and political repression, the ICPC urged the court to dismiss el-Rufai’s application and allow investigators to conclude their inquiries.

In addition to the alleged surveillance equipment, the commission said the former governor has questions to answer regarding multiple financial transactions. These include the whereabouts of €1.4 million; 180 payments totalling N2,158,799,199 allegedly made from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account; and transfers amounting to N428,122,180.18 to undisclosed accounts, among other transactions.

The matter is expected to continue in court as both parties present their arguments.