“El-Rufai Alleges ICPC Asked Him to Quit 2027 Politics Before Release — Tells Court”

​In a stunning allegation that is already sending shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of trying to force him out of politics as the price for his freedom. According to court documents filed by the ex-governor, ICPC officials—including the commission’s Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu—explicitly told him that staying away from the 2027 political race was the only way he would regain his liberty.

​This explosive claim is contained in a 30-page criminal complaint and forms the heart of Count Six in El-Rufai’s ongoing fundamental rights enforcement suit. In Paragraph 12 and Paragraphs 22–24 of the supporting affidavit, El-Rufai stated that while in detention, ICPC operatives made it clear that “disengaging from politics was the price for his release.” He is now formally accusing the agency of wrongful confinement with intent to compel him, an offence punishable under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.

​Seeking legal redress, El-Rufai is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to declare the move an abuse of power and a blatant violation of his constitutional right to participate in politics. In addition to the declaration, he is demanding ₦1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages to compensate for the alleged overreach by the anti-graft agency.

​The drama stems from a February 19, 2026, incident when ICPC operatives and police officers allegedly invaded El-Rufai’s residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, around 2 p.m. The former governor claims the search violated his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy under Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the 1999 Constitution. Consequently, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, he is seeking a declaration that any evidence seized during the raid is inadmissible and an order for the immediate return of all items taken.

​The matter recently came up before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who adjourned the case to March 25, 2026, to allow all parties to regularise their processes. While El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed the filing of necessary responses, the ICPC and police lawyers were also present, though the Chief Magistrate and the Attorney-General of the Federation are yet to be served. As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC has not issued any official response to these explosive claims, leaving the public to wonder about the true nature of the investigation.

​What do you think? Is this a genuine case of overreach by the ICPC, or is El-Rufai simply fighting back? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

​Source: Sahara Reporters, March 17, 2026