ICPC allegedly recovers wiretapping equipment from El-Rufai’s residence, family denies

Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have allegedly recovered wiretapping equipment, said to be capable of tapping conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Governor Nasir 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.

Former Kaduna State Commissioner of Information, Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan in a post on his Facebook page on Monday pointed out, “the agency also alleged that the former governor declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is brought before a court”.

The report he posted also added that “an aide of the former governor linked to the investigation had escaped from the country.”

Besides, “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.”

Meanwhile, 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”.

But, the family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the ICPC regarding the seizure of phone-tapping equipment, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Monday 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.

The El-Rufai family said it would pursue all available legal remedies to challenge what it described as defamatory statements and executive overreach, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to uphold their rights.

They also called for peace and prayers during the Ramadan period, urging Nigerians to promote unity and stability across the country.