Title: El-Rufai’s Son Alleges ICPC Is ‘Weaponizing’ Father’s Silence Date Published: 02 March 2026 Description: Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, member of the House of Representatives, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of using his father, former Minister of Transportation Nasir El-Rufai’s constitutional right to remain silent as a tool for a public smear campaign.In a detailed statement on Monday, issued on behalf of the El-Rufai family, Mohammed Bello described the agency’s actions as a “circus of chicanery,” claiming the ICPC had prioritized media narratives over adherence to legal and constitutional norms.Responding to claims that Nasir El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, the lawmaker insisted that exercising the right to silence under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution cannot be interpreted as non-cooperation or evidence of wrongdoing. “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 statement read.The family also alleged that the ICPC’s search was executed under a forged and legally defective warrant, reportedly issued by a magistrate without jurisdiction over the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. They stated that their lawyers had already challenged the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence obtained would be inadmissible.The statement went further to accuse the ICPC of forgery, abuse of office, and propagating falsehoods, suggesting that the agency was acting on behalf of undisclosed political interests. It affirmed the family’s intent to exhaust all legal remedies while expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold their rights.Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Banking Regulations, signed the statement on March 2, 2026, describing himself as “a proud son of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.”The ICPC has yet to issue a public response to the allegations. Attached Images: 61ef0f76c694f981d6661c7d308e7236a1c9ec53085e1d3ac37e272ca51ec0a7.jpg Attached Video: None