EL-RUFAI FAMILY DENIES ICPC PHONE-TAPPING ALLEGATIONS, CHALLENGES AGENCY TO PROSECUTE. (PHOTO).

 El-Rufai Family Denies ICPC Phone-Tapping Allegations, Challenges Agency To Prosecute

The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concerning the recovery of alleged phone-tapping equipment from his property, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, the family accused the anti-corruption agency of conducting what it called a “media trial” and attempting to criminalize El-Rufai’s decision to remain silent during investigations.

The statement asserted that the former governor exercised his constitutional right to silence and challenged the ICPC to formally charge him if it had sufficient evidence. 

According to the family, El-Rufai had maintained in previous interactions with law enforcement that he should be taken to court if any case exists against him.

Addressing claims that sophisticated surveillance devices and sensitive security documents were seized, the family denied the existence of such equipment. 

They stated that only old mobile phones, laptops, and storage devices were recovered during the search, describing them as ordinary personal belongings.

The family further alleged that the search warrant used to conduct the operation was legally defective, claiming it was fraudulently obtained and improperly issued. 

They said their legal team has challenged the validity of the warrant in court and vowed to pursue all available legal remedies.

The ICPC has yet to publicly respond to the family’s latest statement.