El-Rufai’s wife denies ICPC wiretap claims

2026-03-02 - 15:47

Hadiza Isma, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that wiretapping devices were discovered during a search of their residence. In a post shared on X, Hadiza Isma stated, “I was there. No such equipment was found. They lie. But why? An agency with no credibility at all.” The ICPC had earlier claimed that suspected surveillance devices, capable of intercepting confidential communications and accessing classified security materials, were recovered during a raid on El-Rufai’s Abuja home. Reacting to the allegations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of Nasir El-Rufai and member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, described the claims as false and politically motivated. In a statement titled “ICPC’s Phantom Phone Tapping Equipment Allegations Against Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and the Constitutional Right to Silence,” the family accused the ICPC of conducting a “circus of chicanery” rather than following proper legal procedures. The statement highlighted several points: Right to Silence: The ICPC allegedly attempted to portray El-Rufai’s exercise of his constitutional right to remain silent as “non-cooperation,” which the family described as a misinterpretation of Nigerian law. No Tapping Equipment Found: According to the family, only old personal mobile phones, laptops, and storage devices were seized—items commonly owned by any household. They claimed the alleged sophisticated tapping equipment never existed. Alleged Forged Warrant: The family further accused the ICPC of executing the search based on a defective and possibly forged warrant, which they say undermines the legitimacy of the operation. Credibility Concerns: The statement criticized the ICPC for allegedly manufacturing evidence and engaging in unprofessional conduct, asserting that the agency has a “credibility deficit” and is acting under external influence. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai concluded that the family has instructed lawyers to pursue all legal remedies to challenge the search, the alleged forged warrant, and the ICPC’s statements, expressing confidence that the judiciary will uphold their rights. The El-Rufai family’s response underscores rising tensions between political figures and anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, as legal and procedural disputes continue to dominate public discourse.