Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has instituted a fresh ₦10 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that the anti-graft agency has repeatedly denied his family members access to him while in detention.
The suit, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026, was instituted on August 13, 2026, through his counsel, Ubong Akpan. The ICPC, its Chairman and the Attorney General of the Federation are listed as respondents in the matter.
In the application, El-Rufai is seeking nine reliefs, including a declaration that his fundamental rights as guaranteed under the Constitution remain enforceable despite being in the custody of the anti-corruption agency.
The former governor alleged that his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai, were prevented from visiting him despite an existing court order authorising access by family members and legal representatives.
According to him, the denial of access has deprived him of food, medication and other essential items usually provided by relatives. He argued that such actions violate his constitutional rights to dignity of the human person and private and family life as enshrined in Sections 34 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
El-Rufai further contended that the alleged restrictions also contravene Articles 5 and 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee respect for human dignity and family relationships.
The former governor also alleged that ICPC officials physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son during an attempted visit on July 7, 2026. He described the conduct as unconstitutional, unlawful and inconsistent with established legal protections.
Consequently, he is asking the court to compel the respondents to grant him unhindered access to his family members and lawyers throughout the period of his detention in compliance with previous court orders.
El-Rufai maintained that the alleged actions have caused him emotional trauma, psychological distress and humiliation, insisting that the court should intervene to safeguard his constitutional rights.
The case is expected to further test the legal boundaries surrounding detainees’ rights and access to family members during ongoing investigations.
