Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has said he will only respond to allegations levelled against him before a court of law, explaining that his refusal to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission was an exercise of his constitutional right.
El-Rufai, who is being investigated by the anti-graft agency, submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC investigators on February 19 and 20, 2026.
The statements were made under caution and in the presence of his counsel, Ubong E. Akpan.
In the documents, the former governor described the ongoing probe as politically driven and maintained that he would not offer further explanations outside the courtroom.
He argued that after nearly two years of investigation, the commission ought to file its findings before a judicial body rather than continue interrogating him.
In his first statement dated February 19, El-Rufai acknowledged reading and understanding the cautionary notice issued to him and stated that he was making his remarks voluntarily in the presence of his lawyer.
He outlined his background, noting that he was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960 and largely raised in Kaduna State.
He stated that he attended school in Kaduna before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University for a degree in Quantity Surveying, and later attended Harvard University and the University of London, where he studied courses in Business Administration, Public Administration and Law.
El-Rufai highlighted his career trajectory, which spans private consultancy in quantity surveying, mobile telecommunications and public service.
He served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises between 1999 and 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, and was twice elected governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
He added that he is now retired and resides mainly in Egypt with part of his family and his 96-year-old mother.
The former governor, who is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress, alleged that his political affiliation was the real reason behind the investigation, describing the party as the country’s only viable opposition platform.
He stated that, on the advice of counsel, he had chosen to remain silent in response to all questions posed by investigators and would only address any allegations when formally presented before a competent court of law.
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, El-Rufai reaffirmed his stance after investigators reportedly presented him with additional documents.
He reiterated that he was invoking his constitutional right to silence regarding the fresh materials and questions, insisting that his response would only come within the confines of a judicial proceeding.
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Meanwhile, the ICPC had earlier obtained a 14-day remand order against the former governor from a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Bwari.
The order is expected to lapse on March 5, 2026.
