Amanze Chinonye
A lawyer to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of unlawful detention and “false imprisonment,” demanding the immediate release of his client.
In a strongly worded letter dated March 6, 2026 and addressed to the ICPC Chairman, Ubong Akpan alleged that the anti-graft agency had unlawfully detained El-Rufai for 15 days without charging him to court.
Akpan warned that every additional hour the former governor remains in custody constitutes a separate act of false imprisonment for which the ICPC leadership could be held personally liable.
“Every hour he remains in your custody is a separate and distinct tort of false imprisonment for which you will be held personally liable,” the lawyer wrote.
The letter described the commission’s conduct as “dishonest and dishonourable,” accusing it of abusing the court process and disregarding judicial authority.
“What we have witnessed from the Commission over the past 15 days is nothing short of an absolute disgrace to the practice of law, a contumacious disregard for judicial authority, and a borderline criminal abuse of the court system that would shame any law enforcement agency in any civilized jurisdiction,” Akpan stated.
Allegations against ICPC
The lawyer accused the ICPC of manipulating the judicial process to justify El-Rufai’s continued detention.
According to him, the commission approached a Magistrate Court to obtain a remand order for alleged money-laundering offences, despite the fact that such offences fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
Akpan described the move as “forum shopping” and an abuse of court process.
He further alleged that the commission obtained the remand order without jurisdiction, made representations on oath that were later breached, and failed to serve the order on El-Rufai or his legal team.
The lawyer also claimed that the ICPC had detained his client beyond the 14-day remand period granted by the court without filing any formal charges.
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Demand for apology and damages
Akpan demanded that the commission immediately withdraw what he described as a “purported Motion Ex-Parte” filed before the Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari seeking to renew El-Rufai’s detention.
He also called on the ICPC to publish a public apology to the former governor in three national newspapers, acknowledging the alleged violation of his fundamental rights.
In addition, the lawyer is seeking N2 billion in damages and the cost of legal action.
Threat of further legal action
Akpan said he would escalate the matter to the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for investigation and possible prosecution of ICPC officers who allegedly swore false affidavits in support of the remand order.
He also threatened to file complaints before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee against lawyers involved in the case, seeking their removal from the roll of legal practitioners.
According to the letter, El-Rufai has already filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, challenging the legality of his detention and seeking orders to stop any further attempt to extend it.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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