Former Kaduna governor Nasir El‑Rufai has told the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that the investigation into his tenure is politically motivated.
The anti-graft agency is probing the former governor over alleged financial impropriety during his time in office between 2015 and 2023.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, after he was earlier released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Documents filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court show that ICPC investigators obtained handwritten statements from the former governor on February 19 and 20, 2026.
The statements were attached to a counter-affidavit submitted by an ICPC officer in response to a lawsuit filed by El-Rufai challenging the legality of a search conducted on his Abuja residence on February 19.
According to the documents, both statements were taken in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong Akpan.
El-Rufai invokes right to silence
In the February 19 statement, El-Rufai acknowledged the ICPC’s cautionary notice informing him that anything he says could be used in court.
However, he declined to answer investigators’ questions, saying he would exercise his constitutional right to remain silent.
The former governor argued that the investigation is driven by politics, citing his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress, the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me,” he wrote in the statement.
El-Rufai added that after two years of investigation, the ICPC should present its findings before a judicial tribunal instead of questioning him.
He said he would only respond to allegations in court.
‘I will respond in court’
In another statement dated February 20, El-Rufai again declined to answer questions from investigators, reiterating his decision to remain silent.
He maintained that any response would only be given before a judge.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 after previously holding several public offices, including minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007.
The ICPC investigation centres on allegations of financial misconduct during his administration.
