Former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has explained why he declined to answer investigators’ questions, stating that his silence was deliberate and rooted in his belief that the probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is politically motivated.
In written responses to ICPC agents, El-Rufai framed his decision as both a constitutional right and a protest against what he described as a politically driven investigation. He maintained that he would only respond to any allegations before a court of law.
The position was contained in two handwritten statements he made under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
The former governor may regain his freedom on Thursday if the ICPC fails to file charges before the expiration of a court-approved remand order. The anti-graft agency had secured a 14-day detention warrant from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, set to lapse on March 5, 2026.
In his first statement dated February 19, El-Rufai wrote:
“I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand its meaning and implication. I wish to voluntarily state, in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., from the chambers of Ubong Akpan. My name is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. I was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and grew up mostly in Kaduna State.
“I attended school in Kaduna, and went to Ahmadu Bello University for my first degree in Quantity Surveying. I also attended Harvard University and the University of London, among others. I studied Business Administration, Public Administration and Law.
“My working career spans quantity surveying consulting, mobile telecommunications and public service. I was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007) and twice-elected Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). I am retired and live mostly in Egypt with half of my family and 96-year-old mother.
“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me.
“In response to your question (and indeed all your questions), I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question. I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal and not to me. I will respond to any allegations in a court of law only.
“This is because I do not believe these investigations amount to lawful entitlement, as in political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon. Thank you.”
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, he reiterated his stance:
“In furtherance to my statement dated 19 February, 2026 and in the presence of my lawyer Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to state further that upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions. As clearly stated in my statement dated 19 February 2026, I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a Court of Law.”
El-Rufai’s position sets the stage for possible legal proceedings should the ICPC move to formally charge him before the remand order expires.
