ABUJA — Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pressured him to abandon politics while he was in detention.
In a detailed criminal complaint filed before a court, El-Rufai claimed that senior officials of the commission demanded that he step away from political activities as a condition for his release. The filing, which reportedly spans about 30 pages, names ICPC chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu along with four other officials.
According to the documents, the alleged demand was made during his time in custody. El-Rufai stated that he was told explicitly that he would only regain his freedom if he agreed to withdraw from politics.
The claim is outlined in Paragraph 12 of the complaint, where he alleged that the officers involved were acting on directives believed to have originated from the commission’s leadership.
Further details were provided in a supporting affidavit submitted by his legal team. In Paragraphs 22 to 24, they argued that the pressure was sustained and not a one-time occurrence. According to the filing, El-Rufai was repeatedly warned that continuing political activities could prolong his detention, while stepping away would facilitate his release.
El-Rufai contended that such conditions violate his fundamental rights, maintaining that no authority has the legal power to compel a citizen to renounce political participation in exchange for freedom.
The allegation forms part of Count Six in the suit, which accuses the named officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel. The complaint cites provisions under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code, arguing that the alleged actions constitute an abuse of office and an infringement on constitutional rights.
The former governor is asking the court to review the conduct of the ICPC officials and determine whether their actions amount to unlawful detention and coercion.
As of the time of reporting, the ICPC has not issued an official response to the allegations. Observers note that the case could raise significant legal and political questions regarding the limits of authority of anti-corruption agencies and the protection of individual rights in Nigeria.
