In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, I had intentionally stepped back from social media to devote my attention to Ramadan, my loved ones, and sincere service to the excellent people of Kaduna North. However, I find it necessary to break that silence and address a blatant falsehood circulating in the public domain.
A nationally circulated newspaper, The Nation, recently published an inflammatory report attributed to unnamed sources within the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The report contains derogatory claims about my father, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, alleging the possession of sophisticated phone‑tapping equipment — a claim our family strongly rejects in its entirety.
I present this statement to counter those allegations, inform the public of the legal realities at stake, and preserve the truth. I also extend warm wishes of Ramadan Mubarak to all, and ask for prayers for peace in Nigeria and around the world.
RE: ICPC’s Phone Tapping Allegations Against Mallam Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai & The Family’s Response
The family of Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai has observed with bafflement and deep concern the torrent of accusations, distortions, and theatrics emanating from what appears to be an official ICPC press campaign. Rather than adhering to the rule of law — which the Commission is charged with upholding — these statements resemble a public relations attack. It is only right to clarify the facts.
1. The Constitutional Right to Silence Is a Right — Not Guilt
The ICPC has attempted to portray my father’s decision to exercise his legal right to remain silent as a form of “non‑cooperation.” This narrative is deeply misguided.
Under Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), every Nigerian citizen is guaranteed the right to remain silent in the face of questioning or investigation. Choosing to exercise this constitutional protection is not evidence of guilt, nor does the law allow any law enforcement agency to infer guilt from silence alone.
This fundamental legal protection exists precisely to ensure that no person is coerced into self‑incrimination or hasty disclosure — a norm recognised in advanced legal systems around the world. Any suggestion that exercising this right is obstructionist reveals a misunderstanding of the Nigerian Constitution and legal process.
My father has made a clear request in all engagements with law enforcement:
“Charge me if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate — take me to court.”
This challenge stands. The absence of formal charges after an extended investigative period raises serious questions about the basis of the assertions now being made.
2. The Phantom “Phone Tapping Equipment” Doesn’t Exist
The ICPC’s public statement included a list of items allegedly seized from my father’s property — items described as highly sensitive surveillance or “phone‑tapping” equipment. The Commission’s goal was clear: to project an image of wrongdoing to the public.
The truth is this:
Our family and legal team were present during the search and seizure process.
Only old personal mobile phones, some over 20 years old, outdated laptops, and everyday personal storage devices like flash drives were taken.
There was no high‑tech surveillance gear, no specialised monitoring devices, and no classified security materials — contrary to what the press release suggested.
The insinuation that commonplace personal electronics equate to crime‑related gadgets is misleading and defamatory. It plays into fear‑based narratives that do nothing to enlighten Nigerians but instead damage reputations without evidence.
3. The Search Warrant Itself Is Defective, Possibly Forged
The foundation of this investigative action is the search warrant under which law enforcement entered the property.
We have credible evidence that this warrant was not legitimately issued — that it was improperly prepared, fraudulently presented, and even signed by an official purporting to be a magistrate sitting as a High Court judge without proper jurisdiction.
If a warrant is invalid at its inception, then all actions predicated on it — including searches, seizures, and alleged evidence collection — become legally null and void. This is a fundamental principle of evidence law in Nigeria and many jurisdictions: an unlawful search cannot produce lawful evidence.
We have filed legal motions before a competent court challenging the warrant’s validity. Should the ICPC contest this in court, it will be obliged to prove the authenticity and legal basis of its warrant under oath.
4. ICPC’s Public Statements Undermine Its Independence and Credibility
The ICPC was established under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 to investigate and prosecute corruption cases lawfully, with powers conferred by the Nigerian National Assembly. The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the constitutionality of the ICPC’s establishment as a proper anti‑graft body, affirming its legal mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption matters nationally.
However, the Commission’s latest press tactics raise significant concerns about its operational neutrality and respect for judicial processes.
The barrage of accusatory statements — complete with sensationalist language and unverified claims — suggests an approach more concerned with influencing public perception than with upholding justice and fairness. That is deeply troubling for an institution meant to safeguard integrity.
If the ICPC believes it has legitimate evidence, it should present it in a court of competent jurisdiction, not in newspaper headlines.
5. This Family Stands by Legal Due Process and Will Defend Its Rights
We reject any attempt to try Mallam El‑Rufai in the court of public opinion. Accusations unaccompanied by concrete charges and corroborated evidence should not be allowed to define a man’s reputation — especially one who has voluntarily served Nigeria in public office.
To that end:
Our legal team has been instructed to pursue all available remedies under Nigerian law.
We will challenge the legality of the search, the legitimacy of the warrant, and the defamatory statements in appropriate judicial forums.
We have absolute confidence in the Nigerian judiciary — its independence, its fairness, and its ability to scrutinise the conduct of executive agencies without fear or favour.
It is our hope that the courts will see through this orchestrated exercise and restore respect for the fundamental rights of citizens — rights enshrined in the Constitution and upheld by courts across Nigeria.
Closing Thoughts
Corruption is a serious challenge in Nigeria — and fighting it is a legitimate and necessary task. The ICPC’s own mandate is to investigate, prosecute, and educate the public in the fight against corruption. But that fight must be conducted lawfully, with respect for human rights, legal procedures, and constitutional protections.
Accusations devoid of evidence, repeated in the media without substantiation, are not just legally questionable — they undermine public trust in institutions.
Our family welcomes transparent, lawful investigation where there is credible evidence. But we reject fabricated narratives, media trials, and attacks on constitutional freedoms.
To the people of Nigeria: let justice prevail, let truth be heard, and let peace be our pursuit.
Signed —
The El‑Rufai Family
Hon. Mohammed Bello El‑Rufai
Member, A Proud Son of Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai
Kaduna North Federal Constituency
Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations
March 2, 2026
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