latest
‘Old Discarded Phones’ – Nasir El-Rufai’s Family Reacts To ICPC’s Phone Tapping Equipment Claim.
The family of detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations that phone-tapping devices were uncovered at his residence during a search conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement released on Monday and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family challenged the commission to formally arraign their father in court if there are legitimate charges against him.
The reaction followed claims by the ICPC that it recovered equipment allegedly capable of intercepting conversations, along with sensitive security documents, from the former governor’s Abuja home.
The anti-graft agency made the assertion in an affidavit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, opposing El-Rufai’s lawsuit alleging a breach of his fundamental human rights.
However, the family described the ICPC’s claims as fabricated and part of a calculated media attack.
According to them, the items retrieved from the residence were merely “old, discarded personal mobile phones, some dating back nearly 20 years, as well as storage devices such as flash drives and laptops.”
They further accused the commission of attempting to twist El-Rufai’s decision to remain silent into an admission of guilt. The family insisted that every citizen has a constitutional right to silence, stressing that choosing not to speak does not amount to non-cooperation but is a protected legal right.
Questioning the credibility of the ICPC’s actions, the family vowed to pursue the matter to its lawful conclusion.
The statement, titled “RE: ICPC’s Phantom Phone Tapping Equipment Allegations Against Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai And The Constitutional Right To Silence: A Statement From The Family Of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” read in part:
“The family of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has observed with concern the stream of allegations and claims issued by the ICPC, which we consider misleading and theatrically presented. It is regrettable that a statutory agency appears more focused on public spectacle than adherence to due process. We are therefore compelled to clarify the facts and address what we view as a coordinated smear effort.
1. On The Right To Silence And Alleged Non-Cooperation
“The ICPC has suggested that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai ‘refused to cooperate.’ We wish to remind the commission that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent. Exercising this right cannot be interpreted as non-cooperation or an indication of guilt. Any attempt to portray silence as culpability reflects a misunderstanding of fundamental legal principles.
“Our father has consistently maintained in his engagements with law enforcement: ‘Charge me if there is any case against me. You have had over two years to investigate. Kindly take me to court.’
“We believe this position underscores his readiness to face due process.”
2. Alleged Phone-Tapping Devices And Seized Items
“The ICPC’s published list of recovered items appears crafted to suggest espionage. However, we were present during the search, and no such sophisticated equipment or sensitive documents were found. The items taken were ordinary personal devices—old mobile phones and standard storage gadgets common in any modern household.
“The claim of advanced surveillance equipment exists only in the commission’s narrative and has no basis in fact.”
3. Legitimacy Of The Search Warrant
“The search itself was carried out on the strength of what we believe to be a legally defective warrant. We have credible grounds to question its authenticity and the jurisdiction under which it was issued. Our legal team has already challenged the warrant before a competent court, and we expect the matter to be addressed in line with established legal procedures.”
4. Concerns Over ICPC’s Conduct
“The commission’s public statements, in our view, raise serious questions about professionalism and due process. We are determined to contest the legality of the search, the validity of the warrant, and the statements issued against our family through appropriate legal channels.
“We remain confident that the judiciary will fairly assess the issues and safeguard our constitutional rights.”
An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.
Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.
Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.
He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.
“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.
The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.
Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.
He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.
Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.
The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.
Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.
He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.
Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.
Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.
In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.
The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.
However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.
Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.
Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.
When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
-
latest1 year ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest3 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment3 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest3 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest3 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest3 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp