EL-RUFAI BREAKS SILENCE ON ICPC PROBE, SAYS HE WILL SPEAK ONLY IN COURT
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has clarified why he refused to respond to questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), emphasizing that his silence is a constitutional right, not an act of defiance.
El-Rufai, who is currently under investigation by the anti-graft agency, submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC officers on February 19 and 20, 2026, while under caution and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
In the statements, the former governor argued that the investigation is politically motivated and reiterated that he would address any allegations only in a court of law.
He contended that, after nearly two years of investigation, the commission should submit its findings to a judicial tribunal rather than continue questioning him.
In his first statement, dated February 19, the former governor said:
“I have read the above cautionary statement and understand its meaning and implications. I voluntarily make this statement in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., of the chambers of Ubong Akpan.
“My name is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. I was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and spent most of my early life in Kaduna State.
“I completed my schooling in Kaduna and earned my first degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University. I also pursued further studies at Harvard University and the University of London, focusing on Business Administration, Public Administration, and Law.
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“My professional career spans quantity surveying, mobile telecommunications, and public service. I served as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), and was twice elected Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). I am now retired and reside mostly in Egypt with half of my family and my 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, El-Rufai reaffirmed his position after investigators presented additional documents to him.
The second statement read: “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.”
The former governor further alleged that his position as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made him a target of political pressure, describing the party as the nation’s last remaining opposition force.
Meanwhile, the ICPC had previously obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is scheduled to expire on March 5, 2026.
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