The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding the seizure of phone-tapping equipment, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
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In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family accused the anti-corruption agency of conducting a smear campaign and misrepresenting the outcome of a search carried out at the former governor’s property.
The family defended El-Rufai’s decision not to respond to investigators, stating that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent.
They rejected claims that his silence amounted to non-cooperation, insisting that no negative inference should be drawn from the exercise of a constitutional right.
According to the statement, El-Rufai had repeatedly challenged authorities to file charges if evidence existed against him.
The family also denied the ICPC’s claim that sophisticated phone-tapping equipment and sensitive security documents were recovered during the search.
They maintained that only old personal mobile phones, flash drives, and laptops — common personal devices — were seized, describing the alleged equipment as fictitious.
The statement further alleged that the search was based on a forged warrant, claiming it was fraudulently issued by a magistrate purportedly acting with High Court authority.
The family said their legal team has challenged the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence obtained through an unlawful search is inadmissible.
They added that they would pursue all available legal remedies to challenge what they described as defamatory statements and executive overreach, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to uphold their rights.
The family also called for peace and prayers during the Ramadan period, urging Nigerians to promote unity and stability across the country.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE: ICPC’s Allegations of Phone-Tapping Equipment Against Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and the Constitutional Right to Silence — A Statement from the Family
The family of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has noted with concern the recent allegations and claims made by the ICPC.
We consider it unfortunate that a constitutionally established agency would engage in what appears to be a media-driven campaign rather than strictly adhering to the rule of law. We are compelled to clarify the facts and respond to what we believe are misleading assertions.
The ICPC has suggested that Mallam El-Rufai “refused to cooperate.” We wish to state clearly that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent. Exercising this right does not amount to non-cooperation, and no adverse inference should be drawn from it.
Mallam El-Rufai has consistently maintained:
“Charge me if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court.”
The list of items allegedly seized, as presented by the ICPC, is inaccurate.
We were present during the search. No equipment other than old personal mobile phones, some dating back many years, as well as flash drives and laptops — standard personal devices — were taken from the property.
The alleged “sophisticated tapping equipment” and “sensitive security documents” were not found at the premises.
The search was conducted on the basis of what we believe to be a legally defective warrant. We have credible evidence suggesting that the warrant was improperly issued by a magistrate purporting to exercise High Court authority.
Our legal team has challenged the validity of the warrant before a court of competent jurisdiction. We maintain that any evidence obtained through an unlawful search is inadmissible.
We will not engage in trial by media. Our legal representatives have been instructed to pursue all lawful remedies concerning the search, the warrant, and the public statements made.
We remain confident that the Nigerian judiciary will uphold the rule of law and protect our rights.
Signed,
March 2, 2026
The El-Rufai Family
Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai
Member, House of Representatives
Kaduna North Federal Constituency
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