Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Invokes Right to Silence in ICPC Custody Amid Corruption

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Invokes Right to Silence in ICPC Custody Amid Corruption.

 Detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has exercised his constitutional right to remain silent during questioning by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), declining to respond to allegations related to his tenure in office.  

In handwritten statements provided to ICPC investigators while in custody on February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai—represented by his lawyer Ubong Akpan, Esq.—affirmed his understanding of the cautionary warning before voluntarily stating his personal background and political affiliation, then invoking silence.

The February 19 statement reads in part:“I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand its meaning and implication. I wish to voluntarily state, in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., from the chambers of Ubong Akpan. 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.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 my 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.”In a follow-up statement the next day, February 20, El-Rufai reiterated his position:“In furtherance to my statement dated 19 February 2026 and in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to state further that upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions. 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.”El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, 2026, following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was initially detained after honoring an invitation on February 16. 

A Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja, granted the ICPC a 14-day remand order on February 19 to facilitate the probe into allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, diversion of state funds, mismanagement of loans, and procurement violations during his governorship from 2015 to 2023. The investigation stems from a June 2024 petition by Nus’ab Chambers, prompting document requests from banks and government agencies. The ICPC has also conducted a search of El-Rufai's Abuja residence on February 19—while he was already in custody—recovering various documents, electronic devices, and alleged surveillance-related equipment, according to commission filings.El-Rufai, who defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) last year, has described the probe as politically motivated persecution tied to his ADC role. 

His family has rejected ICPC claims as a “smear campaign” and defended his silence as a protected constitutional right, not an admission of guilt. El-Rufai has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit challenging the search warrant's validity and alleging violations of his privacy and liberty.

As of March 4, 2026, El-Rufai remains in custody, with potential criminal charges pending the conclusion of investigations. The ICPC has indicated it may file charges soon, while supporters and the ADC have accused authorities of targeting opposition figures.This developing case highlights tensions between anti-corruption efforts and perceptions of selective enforcement in Nigeria's political landscape. Further court proceedings, including on El-Rufai's rights suit, are anticipated in the coming days.