El-Rufai Family Slams ICPC Over ‘Phantom’ Wiretapping Equipment Claims

​The family of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has launched a blistering counter-attack against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), dismissing claims that sophisticated surveillance gear was found in his home as “theatrical posturing” and “fictitious.”

​In a statement released on Monday, March 2, 2026, the former governor’s son, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, characterized the ICPC’s allegations as a politically motivated smear campaign. This follows an ICPC affidavit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, which alleged that “electronic magnetic equipment capable of tapping conversations” and “sensitive security documents” were recovered during a February 19 raid on El-Rufai’s Abuja residence.

​”A Circus of Chicanery”

​The lawmaker insisted that the items seized during the search were common household electronics, including laptops, flash drives, and “old discarded personal mobile phones,” some of which he claimed dated back 20 years.

​”The ICPC’s press statement presented a list of seized equipment designed to conjure images of espionage and criminality. This list is a work of fiction,” the statement read. “We were present when these items were seized. No such equipment was found.”

​Supporting this stance, El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, took to social media platform X to verify her presence during the raid. “I was there. No such equipment was found. They lie. But why? An agency with no credibility at all,” she posted.

​Rights vs. Cooperation

​The family also addressed the ICPC’s claim that El-Rufai had been “uncooperative” and refused to provide access codes for the seized devices. They argued that the former governor was merely exercising his constitutional right to silence, which should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

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​According to the family, El-Rufai has consistently challenged the authorities: “Charge me, if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, please.”

​Legal Battle Intensifies

​The dispute over the raid is now a major legal battle. El-Rufai has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, the Inspector General of Police, and other officials. His legal team alleges that the search warrant used was a “forgery” and “legally defective,” arguing it was issued by a magistrate purportedly sitting in a High Court jurisdiction.

​The former governor has been in custody since mid-February, following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the ICPC. The commission is reportedly investigating allegations of financial impropriety involving N2.1 billion and €1.4 million during his eight-year tenure as governor.