The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has denied reports that investigators discovered sophisticated phone-tapping devices and classified security documents during a search of his Abuja residence.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 2, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, described the allegations as untrue and politically motivated.
He maintained that no “sophisticated tapping equipment” was recovered during the operation.
The reaction followed reports suggesting that investigators seized alleged phone tapping equipment from the former governor’s home in Abuja.
According to affidavits reportedly filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, officials claimed they recovered “electronic magnetic equipment capable of tapping conversations” and “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” during the search.
The commission said the operation took place in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and their son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.
In the affidavit, the commission was quoted as saying, “The applicant (El-Rufai), on national television (Arise Television), admitted to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
“During the search operations, the commission retrieved electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations.
“He was asked to give consent to enable the commission access the equipment, but he refused. A copy of the consent form is attached and marked Exhibit ICPC 5.
“The search also retrieved sensitive security documents of various security agencies of the government.
“The applicant is also allegedly threatening likely prosecution witnesses, and one such witness has written to the commission seeking protection. A copy of the letter is attached and marked Exhibit ICPC 6.”
Responding to the claims, Mohammed El-Rufai said the family viewed the allegations “with a mixture of contempt and amusement,” accusing the commission of pursuing publicity rather than following due legal process.
The lawmaker also defended the former governor’s decision to remain silent during questioning by investigators, saying it 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.
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Quoting the former governor, the family added, “Charge me, if you have anything against me. You have had more than 2 years to investigate me. Take me to court, please.”
The statement also challenged the list of items reportedly recovered during the raid.
“We were present when these items were seized. No equipment other than old discarded personal mobile phones… storage devices like flash drives and laptops, which are standard possessions of any 21st-century citizen, were seized from the property,” the statement said.
The family further argued that the search warrant used for the operation was defective and has already been challenged in court.
“Our lawyers have challenged this illegitimate warrant in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement said, alleging that the warrant was fraudulently obtained.
According to Mohammed El-Rufai, the family has directed its legal team to pursue all available legal remedies, including challenging what it described as an unlawful search and defamatory claims.
Nasir El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16, 2026, when he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He was initially detained by the anti-graft agency before being transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on the night of February 18, 2026.
A court on February 19, 2026 granted investigators a 14-day remand order to keep the former governor in custody as investigations continue.
The probe relates to allegations of corruption and financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
Investigators are examining issues including suspected fund diversion, questionable payments, and financial transactions involving large sums, including €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.