Why I Am Keeping Quiet — El-Rufai Fires Back At ICPC

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has explained why he refused to answer investigators’ questions, saying his decision to remain silent was deliberate and based on his belief that the probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission is politically motivated.

In written responses to ICPC agents, the former governor presented his silence as both a constitutional right and a protest against what he described as a politically driven investigation. He insisted he would only respond to any allegations in court.

The position was contained in two handwritten statements he made under caution on 19 and 20 February 2026 while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.

El-Rufai may regain his freedom on Thursday if the ICPC fails to file charges against him before the expiration of the court-approved remand order. The anti-graft agency had obtained a 14-day detention warrant from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is due to lapse 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 from 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.”