El-Rufai Sues ICPC, Demands N10bn Over Family Access

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a fresh N10 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing the agency of restricting his family members from visiting him in custody.

The suit, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13, seeks to enforce his fundamental rights while in detention.

Through his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai alleged that ICPC officials prevented his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai, from gaining access to him.

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He also joined the ICPC chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants, asking the court to declare that his constitutional rights remain protected despite his detention.

The former governor claimed the denial of access prevented his family members from providing him with food, medication and other personal needs.

He further alleged that ICPC officers physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son on July 7, describing the action as unlawful interference with his family relationship.

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El-Rufai is seeking an order directing the commission to grant him “unhindered and reasonable access” to his family members and lawyers throughout his detention.

He claimed the restriction had caused him humiliation, emotional distress and psychological trauma, accusing the ICPC of acting against constitutional provisions and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

In a supporting affidavit, El-Rufai’s Principal Secretary, Mohammed Shaba, stated that the former governor is being held at the ICPC office in Abuja.

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Shaba said El-Rufai’s wife had regularly provided him with food, clothing, medication and other necessities while in custody.

He also cited an earlier order by Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna directing the ICPC to allow access to lawyers and personal doctors whenever necessary.

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