ICPC
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has instituted a fresh N10 billion fundamental rights lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), its Chairman, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) over alleged mistreatment and denial of family access while in detention.
The suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026), filed on August 13 by his legal counsel Ubong Akpan, contends that ICPC officials unlawfully prevented El-Rufai’s wife, Mrs. Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai, from visiting him at the commission’s Abuja facility to deliver food, medication, and essential supplies.
Key Claims and Legal Grounds Violation of Fundamental Rights
El-Rufai argues that his right to dignity and family life, guaranteed under Sections 34, 37, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 5 and 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, remains active despite his detention.
Defiance of Existing Court Ruling:
The affidavit, deposed by El-Rufai’s Principal Secretary, Mohammed Shaba, notes that Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, had previously ordered on April 1 (in suit FHC/KD/73C/2025) that the former governor be granted unhindered access to his legal team and personal physicians.
Alleged Harassment: The motion highlights a specific July 7 incident where ICPC officers allegedly subjected El-Rufai’s wife and son to physical restraint and intimidation when they attempted to bring him meals and medical items.
Humiliation and Harm: The suit states that holding the former governor incommunicado without lawful justification has caused severe psychological distress, emotional trauma, and compromised his health and well-being.Reliefs Sought#Requested Relief1A declaration that the applicant’s constitutional rights to dignity and private/family life remain inviolable during detention.
A declaration that obstructing access to family, food, and medication without a court order is illegal, unconstitutional, and void.3An order directing the ICPC and AGF to immediately grant unhindered, reasonable access to his family and counsel.
N10 billion in general and exemplary damages for unlawful interference, psychological trauma, and constitutional breaches.
