The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that wiretapping devices were recovered from his Abuja residence, describing the claims as fabricated and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, and signed by his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family insisted that no sophisticated surveillance equipment was found during the search conducted by anti-graft operatives.
They maintained that only old mobile phones, laptops and storage devices, described as routine personal belongings, were taken from the property.
According to the statement, the inventory circulated by the commission suggesting the seizure of advanced phone interception gadgets was “a work of fiction.”
The family argued that representatives were present throughout the search and did not observe any recovery of specialised equipment or classified security documents as alleged.
Furthermore, the former governor’s relatives accused the ICPC of attempting to portray his decision to remain silent during questioning as evidence of guilt.
They stressed that the right to silence is guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution and cannot be interpreted as obstruction.
“Our position is clear: if there is credible evidence, file charges in court,” the statement quoted El-Rufai as saying, adding that he has repeatedly challenged investigators to prosecute him if a case exists.
The family also questioned the legality of the search warrant used to access the residence.
They alleged that the warrant was improperly obtained and are contesting its validity before a competent court.
According to them, any evidence derived from what they termed a defective warrant would be inadmissible.
In addition, the statement accused the ICPC of engaging in a media trial rather than allowing due judicial process to run its course.
It described the agency’s public disclosures as an attempt to shape public perception while investigations are still ongoing.
The ICPC had earlier informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court that it recovered electronic magnetic devices allegedly capable of intercepting communications, alongside sensitive security documents.
The commission also maintained that El-Rufai is being lawfully detained under a subsisting remand order.
However, the family said it has instructed its legal team to challenge both the detention and the search process, expressing confidence that the judiciary will address what it called executive overreach.
As legal proceedings continue, attention is likely to shift to the courts, where both parties are expected to test the validity of the search, the alleged recovered items, and the broader corruption investigation.