Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a fresh ₦10 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that the agency unlawfully prevented his wife and son from visiting him while in custody.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, also names the ICPC Chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as defendants.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, filed the originating motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026, on August 13, 2026.
El-Rufai Challenges Alleged Denial of Family Visits
In the suit, the former governor is asking the court to affirm that his fundamental rights under Part IV of the 1999 Constitution remain valid and enforceable despite his detention.
El-Rufai alleges that ICPC officials repeatedly prevented his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai, from having access to him while he was in custody.
According to him, the alleged restriction also prevented his family from providing him with food, medication and other necessities.
The former governor argues that there was no lawful justification or court order authorising the alleged denial of access.
Former Governor Alleges Intimidation
El-Rufai further alleged that ICPC officers physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son during an incident on July 7.
He described the alleged action as unlawful interference with his family and personal relationships.
The former governor is relying on constitutional provisions protecting the dignity of individuals and the right to privacy and family life.
He also cited Sections 34 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 5 and 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
₦10bn Compensation Sought
El-Rufai is asking the court to declare that the alleged treatment violated his constitutional rights to dignity and private and family life.
He is also seeking a declaration that the continued denial of access to his wife and son without lawful authority is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
The suit contains nine reliefs, including a demand for ₦10 billion in compensation over the alleged violations.
El-Rufai served as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
El-Rufai Demands ₦10bn From ICPC Over Alleged Denial of Family Access
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