Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, has explained why he refused to answer investigators’ questions, saying his decision to remain silent was deliberate and based on his belief that the probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is politically motivated.

In written responses to ICPC agents, the ex-governor presented his silence as both a constitutional right and a protest against what he described as a politically driven investigation. He insisted he would only respond to any allegation in court.

The position was contained in two handwritten statements he made under caution on February 19 and 20 while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.

el-Rufai may, however, regain his freedom today if the ICPC fails to file charges against him before the expiration of the court-approved remand order. The anti-graft agency had obtained a 14-day detention warrant from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is due to lapse today.

The accused, in the statement, portrayed himself as a victim of political persecution, alleging that the investigation is solely because of his membership of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He also described the ADC as the “only surviving opposition political party” in Nigeria, insisting that his ongoing investigation is politically motivated.