Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of weaponizing his father’s silence in a high-profile investigation, saying the anti-graft agency is unfairly targeting the former governor amid ongoing legal proceedings.

In a statement released on Tuesday March 3, 2026, Bello El-Rufai said his father’s decision not to comment publicly on the probe into alleged corruption and other issues should not be interpreted as guilt or an admission of wrongdoing. He described the situation as a politically charged campaign designed to tarnish his father’s reputation.

“The ICPC appears to be weaponizing my father’s silence against him,” Bello El-Rufai said in the statement made available to journalists in Abuja. “Choosing not to speak publicly while a matter is before the courts is a legal right, not an indication of culpability. Yet this right has been used to create the impression that my father is unwilling or unable to defend himself.

”The son’s comments come as part of Nasir El-Rufai’s response to actions taken by the ICPC, which include searches of his Abuja residence and allegations that the former governor possessed wiretapping equipment capable of intercepting conversations and sensitive documents. The ICPC also told the FCT High Court that investigators found devices and items during a warrant-authorized search, sparking legal battles over the lawfulness of the operation.

Bello El-Rufai said his family was concerned that selective leaks and public commentary by the commission — including disclosures about items seized — were undermining the presumption of innocence and influencing public opinion ahead of judicial determination. He urged the media and authorities to respect due process and allow courts to decide the matter based on evidence rather than narrative.

Supporters of the former governor have rallied around the family on social media and in public statements, arguing that El-Rufai should not be judged in the court of public opinion. They say the legal contest over the search and seizure — including the fundamental rights suit filed by El-Rufai challenging the legality of the ICPC’s actions — remains the proper venue for resolution.

The ICPC did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Bello El-Rufai’s accusation, and the Federal Capital Territory High Court has scheduled further proceedings in the matter where both sides will present their arguments on the legality of the search and related issues.