The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has strongly refuted allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concerning the discovery of alleged phone tapping equipment during a recent search.
In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, and signed by Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family described the claims as “falsehoods” and accused the anti-corruption agency of engaging in a media trial rather than adhering to due process.
Right to Silence
The family defended El-Rufai’s decision not to make statements to investigators, arguing that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent. They maintained that exercising this right cannot be interpreted as non-cooperation or an admission of guilt.
According to the statement, the former governor has consistently challenged authorities to formally charge him if there is credible evidence against him.
Dispute Over Seized Items
Reacting to claims that sophisticated surveillance devices and sensitive security documents were recovered, the family insisted that no such equipment was found.
They stated that only old personal mobile phones, flash drives, and laptops were seized, describing these as ordinary possessions of any modern citizen. The family dismissed the allegation of phone tapping equipment as fictitious.
Allegation of Forged Warrant
The statement further alleged that the search was conducted based on a defective and allegedly forged warrant. The family claimed the warrant was fraudulently procured and signed by a Magistrate purportedly acting with High Court jurisdiction in the Federal Capital Territory.
They disclosed that their legal team has challenged the validity of the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence obtained through such a process would be inadmissible.
Legal Action
The El-Rufai family accused the ICPC of conducting a smear campaign and vowed to pursue all legal remedies available to challenge what they described as an illegal search and defamatory statements.
They expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to determine the matter and uphold their constitutional rights.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC has not issued any further response to the family’s latest claims.
Zenith Media News Desk
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