Allegations surrounding a search conducted at the Abuja residence of former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have sparked a fresh dispute between his family and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement issued by his son, Bello El-Refai, the family dismissed claims that sophisticated phone-tapping equipment and sensitive security documents were recovered during the operation, describing the allegations as false.
The statement followed media reports based on documents filed by the ICPC at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in response to a suit filed by the former governor challenging his arrest and detention.
El-Rufai had approached the court seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights, arguing that his detention was unlawful and requesting damages. However, the ICPC opposed the suit, stating that its actions were part of ongoing investigations and that items recovered during a search of his residence at 12 Mambilla Street, Asokoro, Abuja, were relevant to its inquiry.
The Commission said the search was carried out under a warrant and witnessed by members of the former governor’s family. It further claimed that electronic devices and documents were recovered, some of which it described as related to security matters.
In response, the El-Rufai family maintained that only personal items, including old mobile phones and storage devices, were taken. They also challenged the legality of the search warrant and vowed to seek redress in court, while the ICPC insisted that its actions were within its statutory mandate.
The case is expected to be determined by the court, where the legality of the search and related claims will be examined.
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