A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused security agencies of plotting to manipulate audio and video recordings allegedly linked to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, while he remains in detention. Frank, who served as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, stated that the alleged scheme is designed to tarnish El-Rufai’s reputation and provide a justification for his continued incarceration.
Allegations of Surveillance and AI Manipulation
According to Frank, El-Rufai has been placed under intense surveillance while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He claimed that the ICPC, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has been secretly recording conversations between El-Rufai and his lawyers, as well as family members. The recordings, Frank alleged, are being reviewed and altered using artificial intelligence technology to produce incriminating content against the former governor.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, and reported by The Guardian, Frank detailed the alleged plot. He said, “The ICPC, where he is being held, has collaborated with the DSS to bug his room. They have countless hours of voice and visual recordings of his conversations, including those with his lawyers and family members.” He further asserted that operatives are sifting through the recordings to identify segments that could be selectively edited or manipulated. “The plan is to use AI to distort some of these recordings to frame El-Rufai. Their intention is to then leak doctored versions of these recordings to the press,” Frank added.
Broader Effort to Damage Reputation
Frank described the alleged manipulation as part of a broader effort to damage El-Rufai’s reputation and prolong his detention. He recalled that El-Rufai voluntarily returned to Nigeria from Egypt and presented himself to security agencies, yet he remains in custody under questionable circumstances. The former APC spokesman appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association, northern leaders, and civil society groups to monitor the case and demand transparency.
Demands for Fair Trial and Transparency
Frank called on authorities to ensure fairness and due process in handling El-Rufai’s detention. He also alleged that there are covert plots targeting El-Rufai and called for the release of businessman Tunde Ayeni, citing selective prosecution and political intimidation by anti-graft agencies. Additionally, Frank appealed to international observers and human rights organizations to monitor political and judicial developments in Nigeria.
This is not the first time allegations of misconduct have emerged in El-Rufai’s case. Previous reports have highlighted fresh claims from witnesses, alleged plots to abduct the former governor, and family accusations against the ICPC. The DSS had also re-arrested El-Rufai in Abuja despite an existing bail order, prompting reactions from his family. A Federal High Court later made a major pronouncement on the bail application filed by El-Rufai’s counsel.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to call for a transparent and fair legal process. Frank’s allegations underscore growing concerns over the use of technology and surveillance in high-profile detentions in Nigeria.
