Family says only personal phones and laptops were seized, challenges legality of search warrant

The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has denied allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that wiretapping equipment was recovered from his Abuja residence.

In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, and signed by his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family described the claim as false and said no surveillance devices were found during the search.

The ICPC had earlier announced that it recovered equipment allegedly capable of intercepting communications, along with sensitive security documents, from the property.

However, the former governor’s family said that only old mobile phones, laptops and storage devices were taken from the residence. According to the statement, family members were present when the items were seized and did not observe the recovery of any wiretapping devices.

The family also addressed reports that El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, stating that he exercised his constitutional right to remain silent. It added that he had challenged the commission to file charges if there was evidence against him.

In addition, the family questioned the legality of the search, alleging that the warrant used by the ICPC was defective. It said its legal team has challenged the warrant in court and is seeking appropriate remedies.

The family maintained that it would pursue all legal options to contest what it described as unlawful actions and defamatory statements.

The ICPC had not issued a further response to the family’s statement as of the time of filing this report.