‘Probe is political’ — El-Rufai Refuses To Answer ICPC, insists on court trial

‘Probe Is Political’ — El-Rufai Refuses To Answer ICPC, Insists On Court Trial

 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has explained why he declined to respond to questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, describing the investigation against him as politically motivated.

In handwritten statements 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 said his decision to remain silent was deliberate and in exercise of his constitutional rights.

El-Rufai maintained that he would only respond to any allegations before a court of law.

“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,” he wrote in his first statement dated February 19.

He added that after what he described as nearly two years of investigation, the anti-graft agency should present its findings before a judicial tribunal.

“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,” he stated.

The former governor further alleged that the probe was driven by politics, claiming his affiliation with the African Democratic Congress was the “real reason” behind the investigation.

“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress, the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me,” he wrote.

Providing personal background in the statement, El-Rufai said he was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, attended school in Kaduna and obtained his first degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University. He also listed academic stints at Harvard University and the University of London.

He outlined his public service career, including serving as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises between 1999 and 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, and two-term governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.

In a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, El-Rufai reiterated his stance.

“Upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions… I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a Court of Law,” he wrote.

El-Rufai may regain his freedom on Thursday if the ICPC fails to file charges before the expiration of a 14-day remand order granted by a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari. The detention warrant is due to lapse on March 5, 2026.

The ICPC has yet to publicly respond to the former governor’s claims that the investigation is politically motivated.