CITIZENS COMPASS— Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has broken his silence following investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai said he prefers to speak in the court of law owing to his constitutional right.
The former governor is currently undergoing investigation by the anti-graft agency.
Citizens Compass reports that 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.
Following the investigation, he submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC officers on February 19 and 20, 2026 in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
The former governor maintained that the probe against him was politically motivated and insisted that he would only address any allegations before a court of law.
“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 for 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.”
“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.”
