Lawyers to former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, say he will present himself before the the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
In a reply conveyed through his legal team, El-Rufai said he would cooperate fully with the commission and attend questioning on February 18, 2026, or on another mutually convenient date.
The ICPC had initially asked him to report to its Abuja headquarters on February 13 at 10:00 a.m. However, his lawyers explained that the invitation was received late on February 12, leaving insufficient time for travel arrangements and preparation.
In a letter signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wole Iyamu, the legal team said the short notice made compliance difficult but emphasized that El-Rufai has no intention of evading the process and remains willing to participate in any lawful investigation.
The commission has not publicly disclosed the reason for inviting the former governor, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
The development comes amid recent tensions between El-Rufai and security agencies. According to reports, operatives attempted to question him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shortly after he returned from Cairo on February 12.
His aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said El-Rufai declined to accompany the officers, citing the absence of prior formal notification. Supporters present at the airport reportedly showed solidarity with the former governor during the incident.
El-Rufai later alleged that senior government officials were behind the attempted questioning, though authorities have not responded publicly to the claim.
In recent months, several individuals who served under his administration have been investigated over corruption allegations, which El-Rufai has described as politically motivated.
Despite the controversy, his lawyers reiterated his willingness to appear before the ICPC and resolve the matter in accordance with due process.
