By Ayo Ayodele
The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has rejected allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that phone tapping equipment was recovered from his property, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, the family accused the anti-corruption agency of attempting to prosecute a “media war” rather than follow due legal process.
The ICPC had reportedly alleged that sophisticated phone tapping devices and sensitive security documents were seized during a search linked to an ongoing investigation. However, the family dismissed the claim as a fabrication.
According to the statement, only “old discarded personal mobile phones, some dating back as much as 20 years, as well as flash drives and laptops” were taken from the property. The family insisted that no specialized surveillance equipment was recovered.
They further argued that El-Rufai’s decision not to make statements during interactions with investigators was a lawful exercise of his constitutional right to remain silent. Quoting the former governor, the statement said he had repeatedly challenged authorities to file charges if there was evidence against him.
“Charge me, if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court,” the statement attributed to him.
The family also questioned the legality of the search warrant used to conduct the operation. They alleged that the warrant was defective and fraudulently obtained, claiming it was issued under questionable judicial authority. The matter, they said, has already been challenged in court by their legal team.
Accusing the ICPC of acting under political influence, the family maintained that they would not be “tried in the court of public opinion” and expressed confidence that the judiciary would uphold their rights.
The ICPC has yet to publicly respond to the family’s latest claims as of press time.