Nasir El-Rufai Accuses ICPC Of Forcing Political Withdrawal As Condition For Release

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) attempted to compel him to withdraw from political activities as a condition for his release from detention.

The allegation is contained in a 30-page criminal complaint filed before a court, in which El-Rufai named the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, alongside four other officials.

According to the filing, the claim is detailed in Paragraph 12 of the complaint, where the former governor stated that ICPC officers, allegedly acting on the authority of the commission’s chairman, told him his freedom depended on ceasing all political engagements. He argued that such a demand amounts to a violation of his constitutional rights.

Further details were provided in the supporting affidavit, particularly in Paragraphs 22 to 24, where El-Rufai’s counsel claimed that he was repeatedly warned that continued participation in politics would prolong his detention, while withdrawing from political activities would secure his release.

The allegation forms the basis of Count Six in the complaint, which accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, citing offences under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.

El-Rufai 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 involvement in the political process.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the court filing.