No wiretapping equipment found In El-Rufai’s home — Family insists

The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed reports that sophisticated wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents were recovered from his Abuja residence during a recent search by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In a statement issued Monday, Mohammed El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the claims as false, misleading and politically motivated. He insisted that no “sophisticated tapping equipment” was seized from the property.

The rebuttal followed media reports citing affidavits filed by the ICPC before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. According to the commission, operatives allegedly recovered “electronic magnetic equipment capable of tapping conversations” as well as “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” during the search. The operation was reportedly conducted in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son.

The ICPC further claimed that El-Rufai had, during a television appearance, admitted to tapping the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The agency also alleged that the former governor declined to grant consent for access to the equipment and that some prosecution witnesses had sought protection over alleged threats.

Reacting, the family said it viewed the allegations “with a mixture of contempt and amusement,” accusing the commission of waging a media campaign instead of allowing due process to run its course.

On the issue of alleged non-cooperation, the statement argued that El-Rufai’s decision to remain silent during questioning was a constitutional right.

> “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent. This is not an act of non-cooperation; it is a fundamental human right,” the statement read.

The family quoted the former governor as saying:

> “Charge me, if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, please.”

It also challenged the inventory of items allegedly recovered, maintaining that only “old discarded personal mobile phones, flash drives and laptops” were taken from the residence.

The family further alleged that the search warrant used for the operation was defective and fraudulently obtained, noting that their legal team had already challenged its validity in court.

PUNCH Online reports that El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was subsequently detained. He was later transferred to the ICPC on February 18 under a 14-day remand order granted on February 19.

He is being investigated over alleged corruption and financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna governor between 2015 and 2023, including claims of suspicious payments and fund diversions involving large sums such as €1.4 million.

Separately, the former governor has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking N1 billion in damages, challenging the legality of the raid and alleging violations of his rights to dignity, liberty, fair hearing and privacy.