…says ‘I’ll only speak in court’
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has explained why he declined to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, describing his silence as a constitutional right rather than an act of defiance.
El-Rufai, who is currently being probed by the ICPC, submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC officers on February 19 and 20, 2026, while under caution and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
The former governor, in the statements, maintained that the probe against him was politically motivated and insisted that he would only address any allegations before a court of law.
He argued that after nearly two years of investigations, ICPC should present its findings before a judicial tribunal instead of continuing to question him.
In his first statement dated February 19, the former governor wrote: “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 February 20, 2026, El-Rufai reaffirmed his position after investigators presented additional documents to him.
The second statement read: “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.”
The former governor also alleged that his role as a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) made him a target of political pressure, describing the party as the only surviving opposition force in the country.
Meanwhile, the ICPC had earlier secured a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is set to expire on March 5, 2026.
