El-Rufai Drops Bombshell Allegation on ICPC 

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of attempting to influence his political activities during his detention, according to Politics Nigeria.

In a comprehensive criminal complaint filed with the court, El-Rufai alleges that senior ICPC officials pressured him to withdraw from politics as a condition for his release.

The complaint, which runs to more than 30 pages, specifically cites ICPC chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu and four other officials.

El-Rufai asserts that this demand was made while he was in custody, when he was allegedly told that his freedom would be granted only if he agreed to cease participating in political affairs.

The allegation was specifically captured in Paragraph 12 of the complaint. In that section, El-Rufai stated that the officers acted on directives believed to have come from the leadership of the commission.

Further details were provided in the supporting affidavit. In Paragraphs 22 to 24, his legal team explained that the pressure was not a one-off incident. They said the former governor was repeatedly warned that remaining active in politics could prolong his detention. He was also allegedly told that stepping away would secure his release.

El-Rufai argued that such a condition violates his fundamental rights. He maintained that no authority has the power to force a citizen to give up political participation as a condition for freedom.

The claim forms part of Count Six in the suit. It accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel. The offence, according to the filing, falls under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.

He is now asking the court to review the actions of the ICPC officials. He insists the alleged conduct amounts to abuse of office and an attempt to suppress his constitutional rights.

As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC has not issued any official response to the allegations.