El-Rufai Speaks Out On ICPC Probe: ‘It’s My Constitutional Right

According to Ireporter Online, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has justified his decision not to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), framing his silence as a constitutional right rather than defiance.

El-Rufai, who is under investigation by the anti-graft agency, 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.

In his first statement, dated February 19, the former governor confirmed that he understood the cautionary notice and voluntarily provided personal background details. He recounted his birth in Dandawa, Katsina State in 1960, his upbringing in Kaduna, and his academic journey through Ahmadu Bello University, Harvard University, and the University of London.

El-Rufai highlighted his professional career in quantity surveying, telecommunications, and public service, noting his tenure as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), and two-term governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). He also mentioned that he is now retired and spends most of his time in Egypt with half of his family and his 96-year-old mother.

However, when questioned by ICPC, El-Rufai declined to respond. “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,” he wrote.

El-Rufai further argued that after nearly two years of investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal rather than questioning him directly. He added that he would only respond to allegations in a court of law, alleging that the probe was politically motivated due to his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria.

In a follow-up statement on February 20, 2026, after investigators presented additional documents, El-Rufai maintained his position, reiterating that he would respond only in a court of law.

The ICPC had earlier obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Bwari, set to expire on March 5, 2026. The development adds a new dimension to the ongoing investigation into the former governor, with both legal and political factors shaping the unfolding narrative.