El-Rufai insists he’ll only speak if ICPC charges him to court
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has clarified why he declined to respond to questions from investigators, stating that his silence was intentional and rooted in his conviction that the inquiry by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is politically driven.
In written replies addressed to ICPC officials, the former governor described his refusal to speak as both an exercise of his constitutional rights and a form of protest against what he characterised as a politically motivated investigation. He maintained that he would address any accusations formally when the matter reached the courtroom.
This stance was outlined in two handwritten statements he issued under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, while in ICPC custody and accompanied by his legal counsel, Ubong Akpan.
El-Rufai could be released on Thursday if the ICPC does not initiate formal charges before the expiration of the remand order granted by the court. The anti-corruption agency had secured a 14-day detention warrant from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, set to expire on March 5, 2026.
In his first statement dated 19 February, El-Rufai wrote in full: “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, 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 20 February 2026, the former governor reiterated his position, writing: “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.”
