Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has refused to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), citing his constitutional right to remain silent.
El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16 after honoring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Though, the anti-graft agency granted him bail after 48 hours, but El-rufai was immediately picked up by the ICPC.
In two written statements addressed to ICPC, the former governor said he chose to remain silent as a constitutional right and would only respond to allegations in a court of law.
In his statement, made in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai provided personal background details, including his birth in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, his education at Ahmadu Bello University, as well as studies at Harvard University and the University of London.
He also outlined his professional career, which spans quantity surveying, telecommunications, and public service.
He noted that he served 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 added that he is now retired and resides mostly in Egypt with part of his family and his 96-year-old mother.
El-Rufai further described himself as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claiming that his political affiliation is the real reason behind the investigation.
He stated that, on the advice of counsel, he would exercise his right to silence and make no further comments to investigators, insisting that after nearly two years of investigation, the ICPC should present its findings before a judicial tribunal.
In a follow-up statement dated February 19, 2026, also made in the presence of his lawyer, he reiterated that he would not respond to any additional documents or questions outside a courtroom setting.
Meanwhile, his son, Bello El-Rufai, has accused the ICPC of using his father’s decision to remain silent against him.
