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| Nasir El-Rufai |
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s fundamental rights suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) faces strong opposition in court.
Both respondents have filed counter-affidavits asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the case, which centres on alleged restrictions on family access while El-Rufai remains in custody.
El-Rufai filed the suit (marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026) against the ICPC, its Chairman Musa Aliyu (SAN), and the AGF. He claims the commission blocked visits by his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai. He is seeking ₦1 billion in damages along with other reliefs, including a declaration that his rights under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution continue to apply during detention.
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ICPC’s Response: Lawful Custody and Security Concerns
In a joint counter-affidavit, the ICPC and its chairman rejected many of El-Rufai’s claims as false. The commission stated that El-Rufai is held under a valid order from the Federal High Court in Kaduna. It noted that it had previously allowed access to his personal physician.
According to the ICPC, a medical visit on 7 July that involved El-Rufai, his doctor, commission staff and his wife later developed into what the agency described as a political meeting. Officials said this revealed gaps in access controls and led to temporary limits on non-essential visits.
An ICPC officer, John Uche, deposed that unrestricted access posed ongoing risks until the issues could be properly addressed. He also described an incident the same day involving Abba El-Rufai. Uche said he tried to prevent the younger El-Rufai from entering the premises, fell into a ditch during the encounter, and called for assistance. Security personnel responded, and the incident was recorded on CCTV.
The commission further alleged that Asabe had earlier been brought onto the premises after official visiting hours on 4 July, allegedly with help from some officers. Those officers faced disciplinary measures, and Asabe’s visiting privileges were suspended pending a security review. The ICPC added that other family members have since been permitted to visit and deliver meals, medication and supplies.
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AGF’s Position: No Direct Responsibility
In a separate counter-affidavit filed on 11 September, the AGF denied any role in El-Rufai’s detention or the management of family visits. The office stated that it does not arrest or detain suspects and does not operate detention facilities.
The AGF argued that the court order El-Rufai relies on only required the ICPC to allow access to his counsel and personal physician. It did not extend to his wife or other relatives. The Federal Government maintained that the ICPC has the power to set security protocols inside its facilities and described those measures as necessary for national security reasons.
Next Steps
The suit has been assigned to Justice Chigozie Onah of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court will determine whether the alleged restrictions violated El-Rufai’s constitutional rights or whether the security measures taken by the ICPC were justified.
This case forms part of ongoing legal disputes involving El-Rufai and the ICPC. Readers should note that the claims and counter-claims remain unproven until the court rules.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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