The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to dismiss a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, challenging his alleged denial of access to his family members while in detention.
The legal battle unfolded on Monday before Justice M.S. Idris during a morning session at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
El-Rufai had instituted the suit claiming N1 billion in damages, alleging that anti-graft operatives violated his constitutional rights under Part IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by barring his family members, including his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, from visiting him during his detention. He prayed the court for a declaration that the restriction was illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.
In a counter-affidavit deposed by the commission, the ICPC strongly opposed the application, describing the claims as baseless and an attempt to obstruct an ongoing anti-corruption investigation.
Addressing journalists outside the courtroom following the proceedings, the Head of Media and Public Communications for the ICPC, J. Okor Odey, stated that all fundamental rights of the suspect were respected in strict accordance with the law.
”The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission operates strictly within the confines of due process and the rule of law. At no point were the applicant’s constitutional rights breached, nor was he unlawfully isolated from legal representation or family visitation outside standard administrative and security protocols. We have prayed the honorable court to dismiss this application in its entirety for lacking merit,” Odey stated.
Also named as respondents in the matter are the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Counsel representing the respondents argued that the administrative restrictions enforced during investigations were lawful and executed under valid procedural frameworks.
The court has adjourned the suit until October 27, 2026, for a definite hearing and ruling on the preliminary objections.
