Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described the ongoing ICPC investigation into his tenure as politically motivated. The probe, which follows alleged financial impropriety during his 2015–2023 administration, has seen El-Rufai in the anti-graft agency’s custody since February 19.

In handwritten statements submitted on February 19 and 20, El-Rufai, who is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress, said he would exercise his right to remain silent and respond to any allegations only in court.

“I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal,” he wrote, calling the scrutiny political persecution.

The statements were taken in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, and form part of broader investigations into policies and finances under his administration.