Charge Him or Stop the Smear” — El-Rufai Family Slams ICPC Over Alleged Phone-Tapping Devices
The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has launched a forceful rebuttal against allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), dismissing claims that “sophisticated phone tapping equipment” was recovered from his property as entirely false.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, the family accused the anti-corruption agency of engaging in a media spectacle rather than pursuing lawful prosecution.
Right to Silence Sparks Dispute
The controversy escalated after the ICPC suggested that El-Rufai had “refused to cooperate” with investigators. The family rejected that characterization, insisting that exercising the constitutional right to remain silent cannot be interpreted as obstruction.
According to the statement, the former governor’s position has remained consistent: if credible evidence exists, he should be formally charged in court.
The family argued that law enforcement agencies cannot draw adverse conclusions from a citizen’s silence and described any attempt to do so as legally untenable.
“Phantom Equipment” Claim
At the center of the dispute is the ICPC’s public inventory of items allegedly seized during a search operation. The Commission’s statement reportedly listed devices implying surveillance capability.
But the El-Rufai family insists no such equipment was recovered.
They stated that family members and legal representatives were present during the search and that only old mobile phones, laptops, and storage devices were taken — items they described as ordinary personal effects found in any modern household.
The family labeled the allegations of sophisticated phone-tapping devices as fabricated and misleading.
Search Warrant Under Legal Challenge
Beyond disputing the inventory, the family is challenging the very foundation of the operation — the search warrant itself.
According to the statement, their legal team has approached the courts, arguing that the warrant was defective and improperly issued. They contend that any action flowing from an invalid warrant is subject to judicial scrutiny.
Political Undercurrents
Though the ICPC has not publicly detailed the broader investigation, the family suggested that the episode reflects an attempt to damage El-Rufai’s reputation in the court of public opinion rather than secure a conviction in a court of law.
They expressed confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary to adjudicate the matter fairly and emphasized that legal remedies are already being pursued.
Ramadan Appeal
Closing the statement on a conciliatory note, the family extended Ramadan greetings and called for prayers for peace in Nigeria and around the world.
As of press time, the ICPC had not issued a fresh response to the family’s rebuttal.