Former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has defended his refusal to answer questions from anti-corruption investigators, describing his decision to remain silent as both a constitutional right and a protest against what he termed a politically motivated probe.
In written statements made under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai said he would not engage with investigators from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, insisting that he would only respond to allegations before a court of law. He argued that after years of investigation, authorities should present their findings before a judicial tribunal rather than seek explanations directly from him.
The former governor’s statements were made while he was in custody and in the presence of his legal counsel. In the first statement, El-Rufai outlined his educational and professional background before stating that he believed the investigation was driven by political considerations. He further alleged that his membership of a political opposition platform was the real reason behind the probe.
He also affirmed that he would continue to exercise his constitutional right to remain silent when confronted with additional documents or questions, reiterating that he would only provide responses during formal court proceedings. His legal team maintained that the matter should be resolved through judicial review rather than administrative interrogation.
