By Ayodele Quadri, Lagos Times Correspondent
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has instituted a fresh ₦10 billion fundamental human rights lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), challenging alleged restrictions on family visits, medication, and food access while in custody.
The originating motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026, was filed on August 13, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja by his legal counsel, Ubong Akpan. The suit names the ICPC, the ICPC Chairman, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the first, second, and third respondents, respectively.
Key Claims & Legal Reliefs Sought
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Denial of Family Access: El-Rufai alleged that ICPC officers blocked his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, from visiting him at the agency’s Abuja custody facility.
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Restriction on Necessities: The suit claims the restrictions prevented his family from delivering food, medication, and essential personal items required for his health and well-being.
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Violation of Existing Court Order: El-Rufai submitted that the denial violates an existing Federal High Court order directing the anti-graft agency to allow unhindered and reasonable access to his family members and legal counsel.
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Physical Restraint Incident: The supporting affidavit, deposed by El-Rufai’s Principal Secretary, Mohammed Shaba, highlighted an encounter on July 7, 2026, where ICPC officers allegedly physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son.
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Constitutional Rights Breach: The former governor contends that the agency’s actions breach his rights to personal dignity, private and family life, and protection against inhuman treatment as guaranteed under Sections 34, 37, and 46 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
