Former Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has refused to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), insisting that he will address the allegations against him only before a court of law.
The former Kaduna State governor said his decision to remain silent during interrogation was based on his constitutional right and should not be interpreted as defiance.
El-Rufai, who is currently under investigation by the anti-graft agency, submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC officials on February 19 and 20, 2026, while under caution and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
In the statements, he described the investigation as politically motivated and argued that the commission should present its findings before a judicial tribunal rather than continuing to question him.
In the first statement dated February 19, El-Rufai said he understood the caution given to him but had decided, on the advice of counsel, to exercise his right to remain silent.
He outlined his background, stating that he was born in Dandawa in Katsina State in 1960 and grew up mostly in Kaduna. He added that he attended Ahmadu Bello University where he earned his first degree in Quantity Surveying, and later studied at Harvard University and the University of London.
El-Rufai also highlighted his career in both private and public service, noting that he served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, and Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
He said he is now retired and lives mostly in Egypt with part of his family and his 96-year-old mother.
The former governor further claimed that his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may have contributed to the investigation, describing the party as one of the key opposition platforms in Nigeria.
“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 will respond to any allegations in a court of law only,” he stated.
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, El-Rufai reaffirmed his position after investigators presented additional documents to him.
He maintained that he would continue to exercise his constitutional right to silence and would only address the documents and questions when presented before a court.
Meanwhile, the ICPC had earlier secured a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari to detain the former governor while investigations continue. The remand order is expected to expire on March 5, 2026.
