El-Rufai threatens legal action against ICPC over alleged rights violations
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has served the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with a pre-action notice, accusing the anti-graft agency of several legal violations.
The notice, dated March 4, 2026, was delivered to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja by El-Rufai’s legal team and signals his intention to initiate legal proceedings against the agency.
In the letter, the former governor accused ICPC of contempt of court, malicious prosecution, defamation, abuse of office, forgery, unlawful detention, and violation of his fundamental human rights.
El-Rufai’s lawyers said the notice was issued in response to a press statement released by the commission on March 2, which they described as reckless, defamatory and legally untenable. They also accused the anti-graft agency of conducting a media trial rather than following proper legal procedures in handling the case.
They further argued that El-Rufai’s decision to remain silent during the investigation was a constitutional right and should not be interpreted as a refusal to cooperate with investigators.
The notice also alleged that the remand order dated February 19, 2026, which the ICPC relied upon to detain the former governor, was invalid because it was issued by a magistrate court that lacked jurisdiction over the alleged offences.
In a direct challenge to the commission, El-Rufai said, “Charge me if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, please.”
The letter concluded by warning that legal action would soon be filed against the ICPC, its chairman and other officials involved if the matter is not resolved.
