Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, has sued the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for allegedly attempting to compel him to withdraw from political activities ahead of 2027 as a condition for his release from detention.

This is part of the details contained in a 30-page criminal complaint he filed before a Magistrate Court in Abuja and made available on his Facebook page yesterday.

According to the complaint against the ICPC chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, and four other officials, el-Rufai claimed that officers of the anti-corruption agency told him he would regain his freedom only if he stopped participating in politics.

The allegation was highlighted in Paragraph 12 of the criminal complaint, where the former governor stated that during his detention, ICPC officers allegedly acting on the authority of the commission’s chairman told him his release was conditional on ceasing all political activities.

He further stated that such a demand amounted to an attempt to force him to abandon his constitutional rights.

The claim is also detailed in the affidavit in support, particularly in Paragraphs 22 to 24, where el-Rufai’s counsel stated that the former governor was repeatedly told that “continued political activity would prolong his detention and that only a commitment to withdraw from politics would secure his release.”

Meanwhile, the allegation formed the basis of count six in the complaint, which accused the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence cited under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.

The embattled ex-governor is asking the court to examine the conduct of the ICPC officials, arguing that the alleged actions constitute an abuse of office and an unlawful attempt to restrict his participation in the political process.

The ICPC has not responded to the claims contained in the court papers, as well as the allegations. (The Guardian)

Update news