Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of attempting to force him to abandon politics as a condition for his release from detention.
In court documents filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, El-Rufai alleged that ICPC operatives, acting under the leadership of Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, told him his freedom depended on stepping away from political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The claim forms part of a criminal complaint in which the former governor accuses the officials of wrongful confinement and abuse of power. He is asking the court to investigate what he described as an attempt to deny him his constitutional right to participate in politics.
Separately, El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Justice, seeking ₦1 billion in damages.
He alleged that security operatives unlawfully searched his Abuja residence and violated his rights to personal liberty, privacy and fair hearing. He is also asking the court to declare any evidence obtained during the operation inadmissible and to order the return of seized items.
The case, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, to allow parties to complete legal filings.
As of the time of this report, the ICPC has not issued an official response to the allegations.