Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, has defended his refusal to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing the investigation against him as politically motivated.
In handwritten statements made under caution on February 19 and 20 while in ICPC custody, the former governor said his decision to remain silent was deliberate and rooted in his constitutional rights. He maintained that he would only respond to any allegations in a court of law.
The statements were written in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
El-Rufai, who is currently a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that the probe was initiated because of his opposition affiliation. He described the ADC as the “only surviving opposition political party” in the country and framed the investigation as an act of political persecution.
Meanwhile, the former governor may regain his freedom if the ICPC fails to file formal charges before the expiration of a 14-day remand order granted by a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari. The detention warrant is due to lapse today.
In a related development, some protesters in Kaduna have staged demonstrations backing ongoing investigations by anti-graft agencies into el-Rufai’s tenure in office.
