El-Rufai Demands ₦10bn From ICPC Over Alleged Denial of Family Access

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a ₦10 billion fundamental rights lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that his family members were prevented from visiting him while he was in the commission’s custody.

The suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13, 2026. El-Rufai is challenging what he describes as unlawful restrictions on his access to his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai. The ICPC, its chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation were listed as respondents.

According to court documents cited in the report, the former governor alleged that his wife and son attempted to visit him on July 7 but were allegedly prevented from gaining access. He further claimed that ICPC officers restrained and intimidated his family members during the attempted visit.

El-Rufai is asking the court to declare the alleged denial of family access unconstitutional and unlawful. He is also seeking an order granting him reasonable access to his family and legal representatives, as well as ₦10 billion in damages over the alleged violation of his fundamental rights.

The former governor's legal challenge is based on provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He argues that the alleged restrictions interfered with his dignity and family relationships, while also preventing his relatives from bringing him food, medication and other personal necessities.

The ICPC and other respondents are expected to present their positions before the court. The allegations contained in the suit remain claims by El-Rufai and have not been established by a final judgment.

The case is the latest in a series of legal disputes between the former governor and anti-corruption authorities. El-Rufai had previously instituted another fundamental-rights action concerning an alleged search of his Abuja residence.