The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed documents and electronic devices allegedly recovered during a search of the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The anti-graft agency made the disclosure on Monday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court while responding to a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai.
According to the commission, its operatives, accompanied by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, executed a valid search warrant issued on February 18. The search was reportedly conducted on February 19 between 1:37 p.m. and 3:56 p.m. at 12 Mambilla Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
ICPC counsel informed the court that the exercise was witnessed by the former governor’s wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed.
The commission urged the court to dismiss the lawsuit, maintaining that its actions were lawful and carried out within the ambit of judicial authorization.
The ICPC listed several categories of documents said to have been found during the search. These include investor account statements, asset declaration forms, business registration certificates, corporate compliance records, and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) files.
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Other documents reportedly recovered relate to records of loans approved by the Kaduna State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023, interim investigation reports involving El-Rufai and his associates, as well as materials connected to the African Democratic Congress welfare secretary.
Additional items cited by the commission include Ecobank Nigeria Plc share certificates, land ownership documents, valuation reports, deeds of assignment, irrevocable Powers of Attorney for properties, Afri-Venture Capital Company records, payment mandates, and publicity materials from the former governor’s office.
The anti-corruption agency also told the court that multiple electronic devices were recovered and sealed for forensic examination. These reportedly include nine flash drives, one memory card, seven hard drives, and several laptops such as Apple MacBook Pro and Elumac Book Pro models.
Mobile devices allegedly found at the residence include Blackberry phones, a Nokia N95, Toshiba and Samsung IDEOS models, Google IDEOS devices, and at least 18 other gadgets. A Remarkable tablet, along with chargers, was also listed among the items.
The commission stated that all recovered materials were properly documented and sealed pending forensic analysis.
El-Rufai, who served as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, is challenging the search and his alleged arrest and detention, claiming violations of his fundamental rights.
The court is expected to determine whether the commission’s actions complied with legal procedures as the case progresses.