The family of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has formally denied allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concerning the alleged recovery of phone-tapping equipment during a search of his residence in Abuja, describing the claims as false, exaggerated, and legally questionable.
In a statement issued on 2 March 2026 and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, the family said the anti-graft agency’s public narrative misrepresented what transpired during the search conducted in the Federal Capital Territory. The statement maintained that only personal electronic devices were taken and rejected suggestions that sophisticated surveillance equipment was discovered.
According to the family, the search took place in February 2026 at the former governor’s residence in Abuja. They stated that family members and legal representatives were present when operatives conducted the search and that the items removed consisted primarily of old mobile phones, laptops, and storage devices. The family disputed claims that any advanced tapping devices or classified security materials were recovered, insisting that the public inventory circulated did not reflect the actual items taken from the property.
The controversy follows public reports attributed to ICPC sources alleging that investigators had uncovered equipment linked to unlawful interception activities. While the Commission has not publicly released detailed technical evidence, the reports triggered significant media attention and political reactions across Kaduna State and Abuja.
In its 2 March statement, the family also addressed what it described as attempts to portray El-Rufai’s silence during questioning as non-cooperation. The statement emphasized that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent and that exercising this right cannot legally be interpreted as evidence of guilt. The family reiterated that the former governor has consistently stated that if credible evidence exists against him, he should be formally charged before a competent court.
Legal proceedings connected to the matter are already underway. Separate reports indicate that proceedings involving allegations of unlawful interception were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja in mid-February 2026. Court documents reportedly reference claims that communications linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu were unlawfully accessed on or about 13 February 2026. Those allegations have been denied by the former governor’s camp, which has maintained that no credible evidence has been presented in court to substantiate the claims.
The family’s statement further questioned the legality of the search warrant used in the Abuja operation, alleging procedural irregularities in its issuance. According to the statement, their legal team has challenged the validity of the warrant before a court of competent jurisdiction, arguing that any evidence obtained through a defective warrant would be inadmissible under Nigerian law.
Political reactions have continued in Kaduna State, where El-Rufai served as governor from 2015 to 2023. Supporters have described the allegations as politically motivated, while critics have called for a transparent and thorough investigation. Civil society observers have urged all parties to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference, emphasizing the importance of due process and institutional credibility.
As of 2 March 2026, the ICPC had not issued a detailed public rebuttal to the family’s latest statement. The unfolding dispute adds to ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding the former governor, who remains an influential figure in national politics.
Further developments are expected as court proceedings continue in Abuja and as both parties pursue their respective legal strategies.
