Abuja — Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, has publicly accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of engaging in a smear campaign against his father, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by “weaponizing” his constitutional right to silence.
In a comprehensive statement released on Monday, March 2, 2026, and signed on behalf of the El-Rufai family, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai expressed deep disappointment, stating it was “deeply unfortunate” that a constitutionally established agency had “descended into what can only be described as a circus of chicanery.” He further alleged that the ICPC was prioritizing a media war over adherence to the rule of law.
Addressing the Commission’s claims that Nasir El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, the lawmaker contended that such an allegation demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of basic constitutional protections. He emphasized that the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent, and exercising this right “cannot lawfully be construed as non-cooperation or guilt.”
The statement highlighted El-Rufai’s consistent stance with law enforcement agencies: “Our father has consistently told law enforcement agencies: ‘Charge me if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court,’” the family declared, suggesting that the ICPC’s inability to do so explains what they termed “lies and obfuscation.”
Furthermore, the family asserted that the entire search conducted was predicated on a “forged and legally defective warrant,” purportedly issued by a magistrate who lacked the jurisdiction of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Their lawyers have already challenged this warrant in court, arguing that any evidence derived from it is inadmissible.
Describing the ICPC’s conduct as a “credibility deficit,” the statement accused the agency of forgery, abuse of office, and the dissemination of falsehoods, implying it was acting on behalf of unnamed political interests. The family affirmed their intention to “pursue all available legal remedies” and expressed confidence that the Nigerian judiciary would uphold their rights.
Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents the Kaduna North Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Banking Regulations, signed the statement, proudly identifying himself as “a proud son of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.”
As of now, the ICPC has not issued a public response to these latest accusations.
