The family of Nasir El-Rufai has rejected allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the reported seizure of phone-tapping equipment,
They described the claims as false and politically driven.
In a statement dated March 2, 2026, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai said the family considers the allegations a smear campaign and accused the agency of misrepresenting items recovered during a search of the former Kaduna State governor’s property.
According to the statement, El-Rufai exercised his constitutional right to remain silent during interactions with investigators.
The family insisted that no adverse conclusion should be drawn from that decision, stressing that the law guarantees citizens the right not to self-incriminate.
The statement also dismissed claims that sophisticated surveillance devices and sensitive security documents were recovered.
It said that only old mobile phones, flash drives and laptops were taken from the property, describing reports of specialised equipment as fictitious.
Also, the family alleged that the search was conducted with a defective warrant, which it described as forged and improperly issued.
It said its legal team has challenged the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence obtained through an unlawful process would be inadmissible.
The ICPC had earlier summoned El-Rufai following allegations that certain items were uncovered during a search.
The commission is empowered to investigate corruption-related offences and prosecute cases where necessary.
The El-Rufai family said it would pursue legal remedies against what it termed defamatory statements, while expressing confidence in the judiciary to uphold due process.