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.
