Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai Files ₦10 Billion Lawsuit Against ICPC Over Alleged Denial of Family Access

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Through his counsel, Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai named the ICPC, its Chairman, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.  

The primary grounds for the ₦10 billion suit include:

 Denial of Access to Necessities: Claims that ICPC officials repeatedly barred his wife (Aichatou Asabe) and son (Abba El-Rufai) from visiting him in custody to provide food, essential medication, and personal care.  

 Violation of Constitutional Rights: Asserting that the restrictions violate Sections 34 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution (Right to Dignity of Human Person and Right to Private/Family Life) as well as Articles 5 and 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.  

 Alleged Intimidation: Pointing to a specific incident where commission officers allegedly restrained and intimidated his visiting family members without lawful authorization or a valid court order.