El-Rufai family rejects ICPC phone tapping claims, calling them fictional and vows legal challenge to protect constitutional rights
The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly rejected claims by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that sophisticated phone-tapping equipment was discovered in his possession.
Also read: Iran Foreign Minister warns of severe fallout after US-Israel strikes
In a statement on Monday, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, representing Kaduna North in the House of Representatives and son of the former governor, described the allegations as “phantom” and “fictional.”
He insisted that only ordinary personal items, including old mobile phones, flash drives, and laptops, were seized during a recent ICPC operation.
The family alleged that the ICPC relied on a forged search warrant, claiming a magistrate falsely acted on behalf of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
“An illegality of this magnitude, a forgery at the very inception of a state-sponsored search—renders everything that follows void and inadmissible,” the statement said. The family has instructed its legal team to contest both the warrant and the ICPC’s assertions in court.
Defending El-Rufai’s constitutional rights, the statement argued that his decision to remain silent was misrepresented. “Silence does not equal non-cooperation or guilt. The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent. This is a fundamental human right,” it added.
The release also criticised the ICPC’s credibility, calling its press statements “a circus of chicanery” and accusing the commission of manufacturing evidence to suggest espionage or criminality.
The family challenged the ICPC to initiate formal legal proceedings, noting: “Our father has said in all interactions with law enforcement: ‘CHARGE ME, IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING AGAINST ME. YOU HAVE HAD MORE THAN TWO YEARS TO INVESTIGATE ME. TAKE ME TO COURT PLEASE.’”
Also read: Iran Foreign Minister warns of severe fallout after US-Israel strikes
The El-Rufai family concluded by urging Nigerians to pray for peace during Ramadan while expressing confidence in the judiciary to protect their rights against what they described as “executive overreach” and a politically motivated smear campaign.
