El-Rufai seeks N15.6bn from ICPC over alleged defamation, arrest

Former Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and members of his family have formally demanded N15.6 billion in damages from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), its chairman, and other officials, following his recent arrest, detention, and what his legal team described as defamatory statements made against him.

The legal notice, dated March 4, 2026, was issued after the anti-graft agency alleged that “wiretapping equipment” was discovered at El-Rufai’s residence.

According to his lawyers, a press statement released by ICPC on March 2, 2026, was misleading and caused significant reputational harm to the former governor.

“The press statement issued by ICPC is defamatory and misleading,” the notice read, noting that it has resulted in serious damage to El-Rufai’s public image.

In the notice, El-Rufai’s legal team outlined several categories of compensation: N5 billion as compensatory damages, N5 billion as exemplary and punitive damages, N5 billion as aggravated damages, N500 million for injurious falsehood, and N100 million to cover legal costs, bringing the total claim to N15.6 billion.

The lawyers have given ICPC 24 hours to meet the demands, warning that failure to comply would trigger further legal action. Planned steps include: Filing contempt proceedings against the ICPC chairman at the Federal High Court.

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Expediting pending fundamental rights enforcement and bail applications at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Initiating civil suits for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, defamation, and abuse of office.

Reporting the alleged forgery of a remand order for criminal investigation.

Petitioning the FCT Judicial Service Commission for disciplinary action against the magistrate involved.

Filing a complaint before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights over the alleged violation of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights.

The notice accuses ICPC of actions that allegedly violated El-Rufai’s constitutional rights, emphasizing that the former governor and his family will pursue every available legal avenue to seek redress.

Legal analysts say the demand highlights growing tensions between political figures and anti-corruption agencies, raising questions about procedural fairness and the boundaries of official public statements by government institutions.