Nasir El-Rufai sues ICPC, demanding N15.6bn for alleged false statements, arrest, and detention, citing defamation and human rights violations

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and members of his family have demanded N15.6 billion in damages from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, its chairman, and other officials, citing his recent arrest, detention, and allegedly defamatory public statements.

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The demand follows ICPC claims that “wiretapping equipment” was discovered at El-Rufai’s residence. In a legal notice dated March 4, 2026, the former governor’s lawyers described a press release issued by the commission on March 2 as misleading and damaging to his reputation.

El-Rufai’s legal team is seeking N5 billion in compensatory damages, N5 billion in exemplary and punitive damages, N5 billion in aggravated damages, N500 million for injurious falsehood, and N100 million to cover legal costs.

The total claim amounts to N15.6 billion.

The legal notice gave ICPC 24 hours to meet the demands, warning that non-compliance would trigger further legal action.

Planned steps include filing contempt proceedings against the ICPC chairman at the Federal High Court, expediting pending fundamental rights enforcement and bail applications at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and initiating civil suits for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, defamation, and abuse of office.

The notice also threatens to investigate the alleged forgery of a remand order, petition the Federal Capital Territory Judicial Service Commission to discipline the magistrate involved, and lodge a complaint with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights regarding the alleged violation of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights.

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The legal move underscores the former governor’s firm stance against what he perceives as politically motivated actions and highlights ongoing tensions between high-profile public figures and anti-graft agencies in Nigeria.