Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has firmly rejected reports alleging that phone-tapping or wiretapping equipment was uncovered in their home. She described the claims as entirely false, misleading, and politically motivated.
Her response came after her son, Bello El-Rufai, issued a press statement addressing media reports that linked his father to the alleged recovery of surveillance devices by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Reacting strongly to the reports, Hadiza stated that she was physically present at the residence during the period in question and insisted that no such equipment was found. “I was there. No such equipment was found. They lie. But why? An agency with no credibility at all,” she said, openly questioning the integrity of the allegations and the motives behind them.
Earlier, Bello El-Rufai explained that he had deliberately refrained from responding immediately, choosing instead to focus on the Ramadan fast, his family, and his legislative duties representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency. However, he said he felt compelled to speak out after what he described as a “blatant lie” was published by a national newspaper, which cited unnamed ICPC sources in its report.
In a strongly worded 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 anti-corruption agency of conducting what they characterized as a media trial rather than adhering to established legal procedures. They argued that the claims were speculative and lacked credible evidence, asserting that due process should take precedence over public accusations.
The El-Rufai family further described the allegations as part of what they believe to be a coordinated smear campaign aimed at damaging the former governor’s reputation. They maintained that no factual basis exists for the claims and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, presumption of innocence, and constitutional rights.
In addition, the family called on Nigerians to remain calm and to use the Ramadan period as a time for reflection and prayer for national peace and unity.
As of now, the ICPC has not issued an official response to the family’s latest rebuttal, leaving the matter unresolved in the public domain.