This Is Political Persecution!’ – El-Rufai Speaks Out While Held by ICPC

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, linked to his role as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and described the actions against him as political persecution rather than legitimate law enforcement.

In written statements dated February 19 and 20, obtained by Premium Times, the former governor refused to respond to investigators’ allegations, insisting he would address them only in court.

“I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal, not to me. I will respond to any allegations in a court of law only,” he wrote.
“This is not law enforcement. This is political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon.”

According to ICPC records, El-Rufai consistently exercised his right to remain silent.
“In response to 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 stated.

ICPC prosecutor David Efuk, in a counter-affidavit, said the commission, assisted by the State Security Service (SSS), initially attempted to arrest El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 5 after his return from Egypt. The attempt failed as he allegedly refused to accompany security agents without a formal invitation.

Subsequent efforts to serve him an invitation letter led the commission to locate his Abuja residence and invite him on February 13. Through his lawyer, he requested to appear on February 18 but was detained by the EFCC before that date. He was then transferred to the ICPC on February 19.

On the same day, ICPC agents executed a search at his residence at 12 Mambilla Street, Asokoro, Abuja. The commission claimed it recovered “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” and electronic equipment allegedly capable of intercepting conversations.

El-Rufai’s son, Mohammed El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, dismissed the claims, saying only old mobile phones, laptops, and flash drives were recovered, calling allegations of phone-tapping equipment “fiction.”

The ICPC is investigating El-Rufai over a petition submitted in June 2024 by Nus’ab Chambers, which alleged diversion of state funds, mismanagement of loans, and procurement violations during his tenure. The commission stated that it had obtained documents from banks and government agencies as part of the probe.

Despite being confronted with questions about the petition, El-Rufai reportedly avoided substantive answers as of February 26. Much of his written statement instead outlined his personal background, education, and career history. He also noted that he is retired and primarily resides in Egypt with his elderly 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 requesting a court declaration that his arrest, detention, and home search were unlawful, damages, and an order preventing authorities from freezing his accounts or seizing property. He also sought an interim injunction to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the case.

A former member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai defected to the ADC last year and has become a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.