The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) regarding the seizure of phone-tapping equipment, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family accused the anti-corruption agency of conducting a smear campaign and misrepresenting the outcome of a search carried out at the former governor’s property.

The family defended El-Rufai’s decision not to respond to investigators, stating that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent.

They rejected claims that his silence amounted to non-cooperation, insisting that no negative inference should be drawn from the exercise of a constitutional right.

According to the statement, El-Rufai had repeatedly challenged authorities to file charges if evidence existed against him.

The family also denied the ICPC’s claim that sophisticated phone-tapping equipment and sensitive security documents were recovered during the search.

They maintained that only old personal mobile phones, flash drives, and laptops — common personal devices — were seized, describing the alleged equipment as fictitious.

The statement further alleged that the search was based on a forged warrant, claiming it was fraudulently issued by a magistrate purportedly acting with High Court authority.

The family said their legal team has challenged the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence obtained through an unlawful search is inadmissible.

The El-Rufai family said it would pursue all available legal remedies to challenge what it described as defamatory statements and executive overreach, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to uphold their rights.

They also called for peace and prayers during the Ramadan period, urging Nigerians to promote unity and stability across the country.

The the full statements below: In the name of Allah, the most Beneficient, the most Mericful, I had tried to stay off social media to focus on Ramadan, my family and my work on behalf of the excellent people of Kaduna North.

But I have chosen to break my silence to put an end to a blatant lie.

Attached is the statement in response to the allegation by a Toilet Newspaper called the Nation on a story from their ICPC sources and sauces.

The statement is posted below.

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone.

Please pray for peace, starting with Nigeria and then the world.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RE: ICPC’s PHANTOM PHONE TAPPING EQUIPMENT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MALLAM NASIR AHMAD EL-RUFAI AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO SILENCE: A STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF MALLAM NASIR EL-RUFAI The family of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has noted with a mixture of contempt and amusement the recent litany of allegations, falsehoods, and theatrical posturing emanating from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

It is deeply unfortunate that a constitutionally established agency has descended into what can only be described as a circus of chicanery, apparently designed to prosecute a media war rather than adhere to the rule of law.

We are compelled to set the record straight and expose the malicious intent behind this orchestrated smear campaign.

On the Right to Silence and Non-Cooperation: The ICPC has ludicrously attempted to weaponize the silence of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai against him, claiming he “refused to cooperate.” We must....