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El-Rufai Demands N15.6 Billion Damages from ICPC Over Arrest and Defamation Claims

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai seeks N15.6 billion compensation from ICPC for alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and defamatory statements over “wiretapping” claims.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and members of his family have demanded N15.6 billion in damages from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), its chairman, and other officials.

The demand follows the commission’s claim that “wiretapping equipment” was discovered at El-Rufai’s residence — an allegation his legal team described as false and defamatory.

In a letter dated March 4, 2026, El-Rufai’s lawyers said the ICPC’s March 2 press statement caused serious reputational harm and violated his fundamental rights.

Breakdown of the Damages

The legal notice outlined the following compensation demands:

  • ₦5 billion as compensatory damages
  • ₦5 billion as exemplary and punitive damages to deter similar conduct
  • ₦5 billion as aggravated damages
  • ₦500 million for injurious falsehood
  • ₦100 million for legal costs

The total claim amounts to ₦15.6 billion.

Legal Threats and Next Steps

El-Rufai’s legal team gave the ICPC 24 hours to comply with the demands or face further legal action.

The notice detailed planned steps, including:

  • Filing contempt proceedings against the ICPC chairman at the Federal High Court
  • Expediting pending fundamental rights enforcement and bail applications at the FCT High Court
  • Initiating civil suits for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, defamation, and abuse of office

The lawyers also threatened to:

  • Report alleged forgery of a remand order for criminal investigation
  • Petition the FCT Judicial Service Commission for disciplinary action against the magistrate involved
  • File a complaint before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights over alleged violations of El-Rufai’s rights

Background

The dispute stems from the ICPC’s recent operation at El-Rufai’s residence, where the agency claimed to have uncovered surveillance and communication devices.

El-Rufai’s camp insists the claims are fabricated and part of a malicious campaign to tarnish his image.

The ICPC has yet to issue a formal response to the legal notice.

News

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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