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) over the alleged denial of access to his wife and son while in custody.
The suit, filed by his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, also names the ICPC Chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the second and third defendants.
The originating motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13, 2026.
El-Rufai is asking the court to affirm that his fundamental rights under Part IV of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, remain valid and enforceable despite his detention by the commission.
El-Rufai Alleges Family Access Was Blocked
According to the suit, El-Rufai alleges that ICPC officials repeatedly prevented his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai, from visiting him while he was in custody.
He argues that the alleged denial prevented him from receiving food, medication and other necessities from his family without any lawful justification or court order.
The former governor contends that the actions violated rights guaranteed under Sections 34 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 5 and 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
El-Rufai further alleges that ICPC officers physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son on July 7.
He described the alleged incident as unlawful interference with his spousal and filial relationships.
Former Governor Seeks ₦10bn Compensation
El-Rufai is asking the Federal High Court to declare that the alleged treatment breached his constitutional rights to dignity of the person and private and family life.
He is also seeking a declaration that the continued denial of access to his family members without lawful authority is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
The suit contains nine reliefs sought by the former governor, including ₦10 billion in monetary compensation for the alleged violations.
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