Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a N10 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations that the agency denied his wife and son access to him during his detention.
The suit, filed by his lawyer Ubong Akpan at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13, 2026, lists the ICPC, its Chairman, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants. The originating motion is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026.
Suit Details
According to the suit, El-Rufai alleges that ICPC officers repeatedly prevented his wife and son from visiting him while in custody. He contends that the denial of access left him without food, medication, and other necessities his family intended to bring. Also that no court order or lawful authority was cited to justify the restriction.
El-Rufai further alleges that ICPC officers physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son on July 7. Further describing the incident as unlawful interference with his spousal and family relationships.
The former governor is asking the court to declare that his fundamental rights under Part IV of the 1999 Constitution remain valid and enforceable regardless of his detention status. He argues the alleged treatment violated Sections 34 and 37 of the Constitution. Sections which protect dignity of the person and the right to private and family life. As well as Articles 5 and 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The nine reliefs sought in the suit include a declaration that the continued denial of family access without lawful authority is unconstitutional, illegal, and void. That alongside monetary compensation of N10 billion for the alleged violations.
The ICPC and the other defendants had not responded publicly to the suit at the time of publication.
El-Rufai is in detention facing corruption charges. He is now also suing the people detaining him. The Federal High Court in Abuja will determine whether the allegations of rights violations hold.
READ ALSO: https://alo360.net/nigeria-customs-cannabis-seizure-ogun-2026/
