The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the alleged discovery of phone-tapping equipment, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
The statement was signed on Monday by Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, on behalf of the El-Rufai family, accused the anti-graft agency of engaging in a media trial rather than following due process.
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The ex-governor’s son further stated that no incriminating items were found during a recent search of El-Rufai’s residence.
Reacting to claims by the ICPC that El-Rufai “refused to cooperate” with investigators, the family said the allegation reflects a misunderstanding of the law.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent,” the statement said. “This is not non-cooperation; it is a fundamental human right. No law enforcement agency is entitled to draw negative inference from the exercise of this right.”
According to the family, El-Rufai has repeatedly challenged the ICPC to take him to court if there is credible evidence against him.
“Our father has consistently told law enforcement agencies: ‘Charge me, if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, please,’” the statement read.
The family also rejected claims that sophisticated phone-tapping devices or sensitive security documents were seized during the search, describing the ICPC’s inventory as fictitious.
“We were present when these items were seized,” the statement said. “No equipment other than old, discarded personal mobile phones—some dating back nearly 20 years—along with flash drives and laptops, which are standard possessions of any modern citizen, were taken.”
They further questioned the legality of the search, alleging that the warrant used was forged and improperly issued.
“We have credible evidence that the warrant was fraudulently procured and signed by a magistrate who purported to sit as a High Court judge of the Federal Capital Territory,” the family said, adding that their lawyers have already challenged the warrant in court.
Describing the ICPC’s conduct as unprofessional, the family accused the agency of attempting to manufacture evidence to justify its actions.
“We will not be tried in the court of public opinion by a discredited agency acting on behalf of political masters,” the statement said. “All available legal remedies will be pursued to challenge the illegal search, the forged warrant, and the defamatory statements.”
