(DDM) – Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of attempting to compel him to cease all political activities as a condition for his release from detention.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the allegation is contained in a 30-page criminal complaint filed by El-Rufai before a court against ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu and four other officials of the anti-corruption agency.
According to the filing, El-Rufai claimed that during his detention, ICPC officers informed him he would only regain his freedom if he withdrew from politics.
The claim is outlined in Paragraph 12 of the complaint, where he alleged that ICPC officials, acting under the authority of the chairman, told him his release depended on ceasing all political activities.
El-Rufai argued that such a demand was an attempt to infringe on his constitutional rights as a citizen.
The allegation was further detailed in the supporting affidavit, particularly in Paragraphs 22 to 24, where his counsel stated that the former governor was repeatedly warned that continued political engagement could prolong his detention.
Only a formal commitment to withdraw from politics, the affidavit claims, would secure his release.
This allegation forms the basis of Count Six in the complaint, which accuses the ICPC officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.
El-Rufai is urging the court to examine the conduct of the ICPC officials, arguing that the alleged actions represent an abuse of office and an unlawful attempt to restrict his political participation.
The ICPC has not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the court filing.
Observers say the case could set an important precedent for how political rights are treated during anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria, raising questions about the balance between law enforcement powers and citizens’ constitutional freedoms.
