ICPC, El-Rufai family disagree over alleged seizure of wiretapping equipment

Emeka Agu Jnr

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the family of former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, engaged in verbal war over the claim by the anti-graft agency that it recovered wiretapping equipment allegedly capable of intercepting private conversations and accessing sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor.

According to court filings by the anti-graft agency, the items were retrieved during a search conducted at El-Rufai’s residence in the presence of his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed Bello.

ICPC made the claims in an affidavit deposed to by a Litigation Officer, David Efuk, before the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, where el-Rufai is seeking redress and release from detention.

ICPC said: “On the 18th day of February, 2026, at about 7 pm, the applicant was released to the DSS by the EFCC to be handed over to the commission.

“On the 19th day of February, 2026, the commission obtained a remand order to keep the applicant in its custody for 14 days, which will lapse on the 5th day of March, 2026.

“The commission has since confronted the applicant with the retrieved documents during its preliminary investigation activities, but the applicant has refused to respond to interviews to date.

“On the 19th day of February, 2026, the commission executed a duly signed search warrant on the premises of the applicant at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja.

“During the search, which was witnessed by the applicant’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, the commission retrieved sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security.

“The applicant, 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.”

However, the family of former Kaduna State governor has rejected allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing claims of recovered phone-tapping equipment and non-cooperation as false.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family said the former governor merely exercised his constitutional right to remain silent during interactions with investigators. They argued that silence should not be interpreted as guilt and insisted he had repeatedly asked authorities to charge him in court if evidence existed against him.

The family also disputed reports that sophisticated surveillance devices were recovered from his residence, maintaining that only personal items such as old mobile phones, laptops, and storage devices were taken. They further alleged that the search warrant used during the operation was defective and is already being challenged in court by his legal team.

According to the statement, the family intends to pursue legal action over what it described as defamatory claims and an unlawful search. They expressed confidence that the judiciary would address the dispute as investigations and court proceedings involving the former governor continue.