Anti-graft agency says surveillance equipment and sensitive documents were recovered during a court-backed search as former Kaduna governor challenges detention.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that it recovered wiretapping equipment capable of intercepting conversations and accessing sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

According to the commission, the items were retrieved during a search of the property conducted in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello. The operation, ICPC said, was carried out pursuant to a legal order.

In court filings, the anti-graft agency further alleged that El-Rufai declined to cooperate with investigators, choosing to remain silent pending his appearance before a court. It also claimed that an aide linked to the investigation has fled the country.

The disclosures were made in response to an application filed by the former governor at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where he is seeking redress and release from detention, alleging violations of his fundamental human rights.

ICPC said it obtained an order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, FCT, authorising El-Rufai’s detention for 14 days. The order, the commission noted, is set to expire on Thursday. It denied accusations of arbitrary detention or repression and urged the court to dismiss El-Rufai’s suit.

The commission also outlined a list of corruption allegations it said the former governor must answer, including questions surrounding the whereabouts of €1.4 million; 180 suspicious payments totalling N2.16 billion allegedly traced to a Consolidated Revenue Account linked to Kaduna State’s Internally Generated Revenue; and transfers of N428.12 million to undisclosed accounts, among other claims.

El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the specific allegations as the legal proceedings continue.