Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has levelled serious allegations against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing the agency of attempting to coerce him into abandoning his political career while he was in custody.
In a comprehensive criminal complaint submitted before a court, El-Rufai claimed that top-ranking officials of the commission pressured him to withdraw from active politics as a condition for his release. The legal document, which reportedly spans about 30 pages, lists the ICPC chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, along with four other officials as parties to the case.
According to the filing, the alleged incident occurred during his period of detention, where he was purportedly told in clear terms that regaining his freedom depended on his willingness to step away from political engagement. The claim is specifically outlined in Paragraph 12 of the complaint, where El-Rufai asserted that the directive came from senior figures within the commission.
Further details contained in the supporting affidavit suggest that the pressure was sustained rather than isolated. In Paragraphs 22 to 24, his legal representatives argued that he faced repeated warnings that continued involvement in politics could lead to prolonged detention. Conversely, they alleged he was assured that compliance—by exiting the political scene—would hasten his release.
El-Rufai, however, has strongly rejected the alleged demand, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental rights. He argued that no government agency or authority has the legal backing to compel a citizen to renounce political participation in exchange for personal liberty.
The allegation is captured under Count Six of the suit, which accuses the named officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel action. The offence, as cited in the filing, is punishable under Sections 264 and 267 of Nigeria’s Penal Code.
The former governor is now seeking judicial intervention, urging the court to scrutinize the actions of the ICPC officials. He maintains that the alleged conduct not only constitutes an abuse of office but also represents a broader attempt to suppress constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
As of the time this report was filed, the ICPC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
