Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, gave an explanation for his refusal to respond to inquiries from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), characterizing his silence as a constitutional prerogative rather than a sign of disobedience.
On February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai, who is presently being investigated by the anti-graft agency, gave two handwritten statements to ICPC officers while being cautious and in front of his attorney, Ubong E. Akpan.
The former governor reportedly admitted reading the cautionary notice and said he grasped its significance in his initial statement, which was dated February 19.
“I have read the warning above, and I am aware of its implications and meaning. In front of my attorney, Ubong Akpan, Esq., I would like to freely declare from Ubong Akpan’s chambers,” he wrote.
He continued by giving personal background information, such as his upbringing in Kaduna, his birth in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and his academic career at Ahmadu Bello University, Harvard University, and the University of London.
El-Rufai emphasized his background in quantity surveying, telecommunications, and public service, citing his positions as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), and two-term governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023).
He also mentioned that he is retired and spends most of his time in Egypt with his 96-year-old mother and half of his family.
He declined, nevertheless, to answer the commission’s queries.
“On the advice of counsel, I have chosen to exercise my right to silence in response to your question (as well as all of your questions).” I won’t say anything further or answer any queries,” he wrote.
“Deliver Results Before a Tribunal”
El-Rufai claimed that rather than questioning him further, the ICPC should present its conclusions to a court after almost two years of investigations.
“I think the ICPC should disclose its conclusions to a judicial panel rather than to me after over two years of hard inquiry. He declared, “I will only address any accusations in a court of law.”
He also claimed that the probe had political motivations.
“The true reason you are looking into me is because I am a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is Nigeria’s only remaining opposition party,” he wrote.
“This is because, unlike political persecution, which is a matter that only a judge can decide on, I do not think these investigations amount to lawful entitlement.”
El-Rufai upheld his position in a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, after investigators allegedly showed him more papers.
“In accordance with my statement dated February 19, 2026, and in the presence of my attorney, Ubong E. Akpan, I would like to further state that I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions upon presentation of further documents and questions,” he wrote.
“As I made very clear in my statement dated February 19, 2026, I will only address these documents and inquiries in a court of law.”
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Bwari had already granted the ICPC a 14-day remand order, which is scheduled to expire on March 5, 2026.
As political and legal factors continue to influence the inquiry’s narrative, this discovery represents the most recent development in the continuing investigation concerning the former governor.
