The embattled ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that he refused to answer questions posed by the ICPC detectives, convinced that the trial is politically motivated.
The former governor cited his constitutional right to silence in two written responses to ICPC operatives, affirming that he would only be accountable for the allegations in a court-mandated setting.
I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand its meaning and implications. 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, 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.” The Statement reads
