By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai has filed a formal petition and pre‑action notice demanding ₦15.6 billion in damages from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), its chairman and certain officials, over what he describes as his unlawful detention, defamatory public statements and multiple rights violations by the anti‑graft agency.
The legal notice, dated 4 March 2026, was submitted to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja and received on 5 March 2026, shortly after a press statement issued by the ICPC on 2 March that linked El‑Rufai to alleged non‑cooperation with its investigation. The former governor’s legal team, led by Ubong Akpan, accused the commission of malicious prosecution, abuse of office, forgery, contempt of court, false imprisonment and defamation, arguing that the ICPC’s actions and public statements have damaged his reputation and violated his constitutional rights.
El‑Rufai is seeking ₦5 billion each in compensatory, exemplary and aggravated damages, plus ₦500 million for injurious falsehood and ₦100 million for legal costs — totaling ₦15.6 billion. He has also demanded his immediate and unconditional release, retraction of defamatory remarks and a public apology, warning that failure to comply within 24 hours will trigger further court action, including contempt proceedings and civil suits.
El‑Rufai’s move follows his ongoing legal disputes with the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including a previous ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit over an earlier raid on his residence, highlighting deepening tensions between the former governor and anti‑corruption agencies.
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