El-Rufai demands N15.6bn damages from ICPC over arrest, detention

 

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has demanded ₦15.6 billion in damages from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), its chairman, and other officials over his arrest, detention and what he described as defamatory claims against him.

The demand followed allegations by the commission that “wiretapping equipment” was discovered at the former governor’s residence.

In a legal notice dated March 4, 2026, El-Rufai’s lawyers described a press statement issued by the ICPC on March 2, 2026 as defamatory and misleading, arguing that it caused serious reputational damage to the former governor.

The legal team accused the commission of actions that allegedly violated El-Rufai’s fundamental rights and outlined several claims for compensation.

These include ₦5 billion as compensatory damages, ₦5 billion as exemplary and punitive damages, and another ₦5 billion as aggravated damages.

The notice also seeks ₦500 million for injurious falsehood and ₦100 million as legal costs, bringing the total claim to ₦15.6 billion.

El-Rufai’s lawyers gave the commission 24 hours to comply with the demands, warning that failure to do so would lead to further legal action.

According to the notice, the legal team plans to file contempt proceedings against the ICPC chairman at the Federal High Court, expedite pending fundamental rights enforcement and bail applications at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and initiate civil suits for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, defamation and abuse of office.

The lawyers also threatened to report the alleged forgery of a remand order, petition the Federal Capital Territory Judicial Service Commission for disciplinary action against the magistrate involved, and submit a complaint before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights over alleged violations of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights.