Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has defended his refusal to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), saying his silence is a constitutional right and a protest against what he described as a politically motivated investigation.
In written statements made under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, El-Rufai said he would only respond to allegations in a court of law.
The ICPC obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari to detain the former governor for investigation. The order is expected to expire on March 5, 2026. If no formal charges are filed before then, El-Rufai may regain his freedom.
In his statement, the former governor outlined his background, noting that he studied Quantity Surveying at Ahmadu Bello University and later attended Harvard University and the University of London.
He also highlighted his career in public service, including his roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007, and two-term governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
El-Rufai said he believes the investigation is linked to his membership in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as a key opposition party in Nigeria.
According to him, after nearly two years of investigation, the anti-graft agency should present its findings before a judge rather than continue questioning him.
“I have decided to exercise my right to silence. I will respond to any allegations only in a court of law,” he stated.
