Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a new N10 billion fundamental rights suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

He accused the agency of denying him access to his wife and son while in custody.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13. El-Rufai alleged that the ICPC prevented his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, from visiting him. He also joined the ICPC Chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants.

Through his lawyer, he is seeking declarations that his fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution remain enforceable despite detention.

He claimed the refusal to allow family visits, especially for the delivery of food, medication and other necessities, violated his rights to dignity and family life.

El-Rufai further alleged that ICPC officers restrained and intimidated his wife and son on July 7. He asked the court to order the respondents to grant him unhindered and reasonable access to family members and counsel throughout his detention, as previously directed by a Federal High Court.

An affidavit supporting the suit stated that his wife had regularly provided him with food, clothing and medication before the alleged restrictions began. The case is the latest in a series of legal actions the former governor has taken against the ICPC.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper