Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has broken his silence over the ongoing probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), saying he chose not to answer investigators’ questions as a matter of constitutional right not defiance.
El-Rufai, who is currently under investigation by the anti-graft agency, submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC officials on February 19 and 20, 2026. The statements were made under caution and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
In both responses, the former governor maintained that the investigation was politically motivated and insisted that he would only address any allegations before a court of law.
He argued that after nearly two years of investigation, the commission should present its findings before a judicial tribunal instead of continuing to question him.
In his first statement dated February 19, El-Rufai acknowledged that he understood the caution read to him and voluntarily provided personal background details, including his birthplace in Dandawa, Katsina State, his upbringing in Kaduna, and his academic journey through Ahmadu Bello University, as well as further studies at Harvard University and the University of London.
He also outlined his career in quantity surveying, telecommunications and public service, noting that he served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007, and two-term governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. He stated that he is now retired and resides mainly in Egypt with part of his family and his 96-year-old mother.
However, when it came to responding to the allegations, El-Rufai said he was exercising his right to remain silent on the advice of counsel.
“I have decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question,” he wrote, adding that he believes only a judge can determine whether the investigation amounts to political persecution.
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, after investigators reportedly presented additional documents, he reaffirmed his stance, saying he would respond to any further questions or documents only when they are presented in court.
The former governor also claimed that his position as a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) which he described as the only surviving opposition party in the country was the real reason behind the probe.
Meanwhile, the ICPC had earlier obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is expected to expire on March 5, 2026.
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