The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly denied reports that sophisticated phone-tapping devices and classified security documents were recovered during a raid on his Abuja residence.
In a statement issued on Monday, his son, Mohammed El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, described the claims as false and politically motivated.
He maintained that no “sophisticated tapping equipment” was discovered during the search.
The reaction followed a report citing affidavits allegedly filed by the ICPC before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. According to the commission, operatives recovered “electronic magnetic equipment capable of tapping conversations” and “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” during a search carried out in the presence of El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, and his son.
The ICPC 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 via a statement posted on his X handle, Mohammed El-Rufai said the family received the allegations “with a mixture of contempt and amusement,” accusing the commission of engaging in a “media war rather than adhere to the rule of law.”
Addressing claims of non-cooperation, the family insisted that the former governor’s silence during questioning was within his constitutional rights.
“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.
Quoting El-Rufai directly, 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.”
They also disputed the items allegedly recovered, insisting that only “old discarded personal mobile phones… storage devices like flash drives and laptops” were taken.
“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 alleged that the search warrant used during the operation was defective and is being 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 procured.
Mohammed El-Rufai added that the family had instructed its legal team to pursue all legal remedies, including action over what they described as an illegal search and defamatory claims.
El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily reported to the EFCC following an invitation.
He was later transferred to the ICPC on February 18, 2026, where he remains under a 14-day remand order obtained on February 19, 2026.
He is being investigated over alleged corruption and financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023, including alleged suspicious payments, fund diversions, and questions surrounding large sums such as €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.
