El-Rufai Accuses ICPC of Isolating Him From Family, files N10bn suit

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a N10 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for allegedly isolating him from his family while in custody. The ex-governor claims his wife, Mrs Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, were denied access to him while detained by the ICPC.

El-Rufai, along with the ICPC chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation, filed the suit by his lawyer, Ubong Akpan. The court filing, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026, took place on August 13. In the petition, El-Rufai seeks various reliefs, including a declaration that his constitutional rights remain inviolable despite his detention, and an order to grant him unhindered access to his family and counsel while in detention.

The former governor alleges that the ICPC officers physically restrained and intimidated Asabe and Abba, and interfered with their spousal and filial relationships, violating his right to dignity and family life. El-Rufai argues that the ICPC's conduct is unconstitutional and seeks an order directing the respondents to allow family access throughout his detention.