Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made serious allegations against officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), claiming they attempted to force him out of active politics as a condition for his release from detention.
According to Sahara Reporters, the accusation is detailed in a 30-page criminal complaint filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja, where El-Rufai specifically named ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, along with four other officials. According to the court documents, the former governor alleged that while in custody, operatives of the anti-corruption agency informed him that his freedom depended on his willingness to withdraw from political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Paragraph 12 of the filing, El-Rufai claimed he was clearly told that disengaging from politics would secure his release, while remaining politically active would prolong his detention. Further claims outlined in Paragraphs 22 to 24 of the supporting affidavit stated that he faced repeated warnings reinforcing the same condition.
These allegations form a key part of Count Six in the suit, where El-Rufai accused the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence punishable under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code. He described the actions as a direct violation of his constitutional right to participate in Nigeria’s political process and called on the court to investigate what he termed a blatant abuse of power.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was adjourned until March 25, 2026, by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to allow all parties to regularise their filings. El-Rufai is seeking N1 billion in damages against the ICPC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Chief Magistrate of the FCT.
In addition, he is challenging the legality of a search conducted at his Abuja residence on February 19, alleging that the operation violated his rights to dignity, liberty, fair hearing, and privacy under the Nigerian Constitution. He is also asking the court to declare any evidence obtained during the search inadmissible and to compel authorities to return all seized items.
As of the time of reporting, the ICPC has not issued an official response to the allegations.
0 Comments