ABUJA, Nigeria — The family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has issued a blistering rebuttal to claims made by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), categorically denying that any wiretapping equipment or sensitive security documents were recovered from his Abuja residence.
In a statement released shortly after the ICPC’s court filings became public, the family described the allegations as “fanciful inventions” and a “deliberate character assassination” orchestrated to justify what they maintain is an unlawful detention.
“No Such Devices Exist”
A spokesperson for the family, addressing the ICPC’s claims that electronic magnetic equipment was seized on February 19, stated that the items removed from the Aso Drive residence were standard personal electronics.
“The ICPC is attempting to criminalize everyday technology to suit a sensational narrative,” the statement read. “During the search, which was witnessed by Hadiza El-Rufai and Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, no such ‘spy equipment’ was identified or documented in the inventory provided at the time. To now claim the discovery of wiretapping tools in a court process is a desperate attempt to mislead the judiciary and the public.”
Political Motivation Alleged
The family further alleged that the anti-graft agency is being used as a tool for political vendetta. They argued that the timing of these “revelations”—surfacing only after El-Rufai challenged his detention in the High Court—proves the investigation is not about corruption, but about silencing a prominent political figure.
Regarding the ICPC’s claim that El-Rufai has refused to cooperate, the family clarified that the former governor is merely exercising his constitutional right to remain silent until he is formally charged in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“He will not be coerced into validating a lynch mob inquiry conducted in the shadows,” the spokesperson added.
Dispute Over Financial Claims
The family also dismissed the ICPC’s detailed list of “suspicious” transactions, including the alleged €1.4 million and N2.1 billion in transfers. They maintained that all state finances during El-Rufai’s tenure were transparently managed and audited, challenging the commission to bring the evidence to an open trial rather than “leaking unsubstantiated figures to the press.”
The aide mentioned by the ICPC as having fled the country was also defended by the family, who claimed the individual was abroad for pre-scheduled personal reasons long before the current investigation began.
The Road Ahead
This counter-offensive sets the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown. While the ICPC relies on its remand order from the Bwari Magistrate Court to keep the former governor in custody until Thursday, El-Rufai’s legal team is pushing for an immediate ruling on his N1 billion fundamental rights suit.
With both sides digging in, the Federal Capital Territory High Court’s upcoming ruling will determine whether El-Rufai walks free this week or faces a formal arraignment based on the ICPC’s controversial findings.
