FORMER Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has issued a formal petition and pre-action notice to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), demanding N15.6 billion in damages over what he described as his illegal detention and several alleged violations of his fundamental rights.
The petition, dated March 4, 2026 obtained by News Point Nigeria, was filed by a law firm led by Ubong Akpan and submitted to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The move marks the latest twist in the escalating legal confrontation between the former governor and the anti-graft agency.
News Point Nigeria had earlier reported that El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) granted him bail on February 18, 2026.
The former governor’s lawyers argue that his continued detention and the conduct of the commission amount to grave violations of his constitutional rights.
The latest action also follows an earlier N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai against the ICPC after operatives of the agency allegedly raided his residence.
In the new petition, El-Rufai is demanding compensation over what he described as a series of unlawful actions by the commission, including: Defamation, abuse of office, forgery and uttering of false documents, malicious prosecution, contempt of court and violation of fundamental rights.
His legal team accused the anti-corruption body of engaging in actions that undermine the rule of law and damage his reputation.
Lead counsel Ubong Akpan particularly criticised a statement earlier issued by the commission concerning the former governor, describing it as reckless and defamatory.
The petition delivered to the commission contained unusually strong language directed at the agency.
Part of the document reads: “It is with profound regret, yet resolute determination, that we address you. The Commission, established by law to combat corruption and uphold the highest standards of integrity, has descended into what can only be described as a circus of chicanery, theatrical posturing and media trial.”
The lawyers further alleged that the ICPC had attempted to justify unlawful actions through public statements.
“Your press statement of today is not a communication from a law enforcement agency; it is the frantic scribbling of an organisation that has been caught with its hands in the cookie jar of illegality and is now desperately attempting to justify the unjustifiable,” the petition added.
The legal team warned that the petition represents the final notice before the commencement of full legal proceedings against the commission.
“We place you on notice: this letter is not a press release; it is a formal pre-action notice. It is the final courtesy extended to you before we unleash the full weight of the law upon your institution for the catalogue of crimes, torts and constitutional violations detailed below,” the document stated.
El-Rufai is seeking the following damages from the ICPC:
Compensatory damages: N5 billion
Exemplary/Punitive damages: N5 billion
Aggravated damages: N5 billion
Damages for injurious falsehood: N500 million
Cost of legal action: N100 million
Total claim: N15.6 billion
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not publicly responded to the petition.