Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has maintained that his investigation and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are politically motivated and linked to his role as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
El-Rufai, who has been in ICPC custody since February 19 following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), described the actions against him as persecution rather than law enforcement.
In written statements dated February 19 and 20 while in ICPC custody, obtained by Premium Times, the former governor declined to respond to allegations raised by investigators, insisting he would only address them in court.
“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,” he wrote.
“This is because I do not believe these investigations amount to law enforcement. This is political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon.”
According to ICPC filings, El-Rufai has consistently exercised his right to silence.
“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,” he wrote.
ICPC prosecutor David Efuk stated in a counter-affidavit that the commission, with support from the State Security Service (SSS), initially attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 5 upon his return from Egypt.
The attempt was unsuccessful, as he allegedly declined to follow security agents without a formal invitation.
The prosecutor added that after failed attempts to serve him with an invitation letter, the commission later located his Abuja residence and invited him to appear on February 13. Through his lawyer, he requested to attend on February 18 but was detained by the EFCC before that date.
He was subsequently transferred to the ICPC on February 19.
On the same day, ICPC agents executed a search warrant at his residence at 12 Mambilla Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
The commission claimed it recovered “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” and electronic magnetic equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations.
However, his son, Mohammed El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, dismissed the claim, stating that only old mobile phones, laptops and flash drives were recovered. He described the allegation of phone-tapping equipment as “fiction.”
The ICPC said it is investigating the former governor over a petition submitted in June 2024 by Nus’ab Chambers, alleging diversion of state funds, mismanagement of loans and violations of procurement laws during his tenure.
The commission stated it had obtained relevant documents from banks and other government agencies as part of the probe.
Despite being confronted with questions relating to the petition, the ICPC prosecutor said El-Rufai had not answered any substantive queries as of February 26.
Instead, much of his written statement reportedly focused on his personal background, education and career history. He informed investigators that he is retired and now resides mostly in Egypt with his aged mother.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC, ICPC, SSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the suit, he is asking the court to declare his arrest, detention and the search of his home unlawful, to award damages and to bar authorities from freezing his accounts or seizing his property.
He also sought an interim injunction directing the respondents to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of his application and substantive suit.
A former member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai defected to the ADC last year and has since emerged as a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
