Wiretapping Equipment Recovered From El- Rufai’s Residence- ICPC

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has recovered alleged wiretapping equipment said to be capable of intercepting conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

The commission said all the suspected items were retrieved in the presence of the former governor’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello, during a search on El-Rufai’s residence.

The agency also alleged that the former governor declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is brought before a court. It added that an aide of the former governor linked to the investigation had escaped from the country.

The anti-graft body made the claims in processes filed before the court, where El-Rufai is seeking redress and release from detention.

The commission also said it obtained a legal order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to detain el-Rufai for 14 days, which is due to expire on Thursday.

It denied allegations of arbitrary detention and repression of the former governor and asked the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory to dismiss el-Rufai’s application alleging violation of his fundamental human rights.

ICPC also added that the former governor has corruption allegations to answer, including questions over the whereabouts of €1.4 million; 180 suspicious payments totalling N2,158,799,199 from a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s IGR account; and transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to N428,122,180.18, among others.