Nasir El-Rufai sues ICPC for N10bn over alleged denial of family access

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a N10 billion fundamental rights lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleges that the commission has denied him access to his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai, while he is in custody.

El-Rufai, represented by lawyer Ubong Akpan, named the ICPC chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation as additional defendants. The lawsuit claims that the denial of family access has prevented the delivery of essential items, including food and medication. The former governor further alleged that ICPC officers physically restrained and intimidated his family members on July 7.

The suit seeks nine reliefs, including declarations that his fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution remain inviolable despite his detention. El-Rufai argues that the commission's actions violate his rights to dignity, privacy, and family life as guaranteed by the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.