Malam Nasir El-Rufai says he decided not to respond to the questions posed by detectives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) because he believes his trial is politically motivated.

El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16 when the honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency had released him on bail after 48 hours but the ICPC picked him up immediately.

In two written responses to ICPC operatives, the former governor described his silence as a constitutional right, insisting that he would only respond to allegations leveled against him in court.

“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 from 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,” El-Rufai wrote.

In another statement, he wrote, “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.”

Bello El-Rufai, son of the former governor, had accused the ICPC of weaponising his father’s silence against him.