El-Rufai Labels Self Victim Of Political Witch-Hunt Over ICPC Probe

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has portrayed himself as a victim of political persecution, alleging that the investigation against him is solely because of his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

El-Rufai made the claim in two written statements submitted last month while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is probing multiple corruption allegations linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

In the statements, the former governor described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the “only surviving opposition political party” in Nigeria, insisting that his ongoing investigation is politically motivated.

El-Rufai defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC last year following his political fallout with President Bola Tinubu, which intensified after his failed ministerial nomination in 2023.

He is also facing prosecution by the State Security Service (SSS) over allegations that he tapped a phone conversation belonging to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai, however, declined to respond to the allegations against him, maintaining that the prosecution should present its case before a court of law.

The statements form part of documents attached to the ICPC’s counter-affidavit opposing El-Rufai’s ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit challenges the legality of a search conducted by ICPC operatives, supported by police officers, at hisu Abuja residence on February 5.

In the first statement, El-Rufai acknowledged the cautionary statement read to him and provided his personal and professional background, detailing his education, career in public service, and past roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and two-term governor of Kaduna State.

He stated that he is a leading member of the ADC, which he described as the “only surviving opposition party in Nigeria,” adding that this, in his view, is the real reason behind the investigation.

He further informed investigators that, on the advice of his counsel, Ubong Akpan, he had elected to exercise his constitutional right to silence and would not respond to any questions unless the allegations were presented before a competent court.

According to him, only a judicial process could determine whether the investigation amounts to lawful prosecution or political persecution.

In a second statement dated February 20, El-Rufai reaffirmed his earlier position, stating that he would maintain his right to silence in respect of all additional documents and questions presented to him.

He reiterated that he would only respond to the allegations when formally presented before a court of law.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release from several days of detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was initially detained after honouring an invitation by the commission on February 16.