El-Rufai Demands N15.6bn from ICPC for Defamation

Former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is seeking N15.6 billion in damages from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) following his arrest and alleged defamation. The legal notice, dated March 4, 2026, accuses the ICPC of making misleading statements that have caused serious reputational damage.

El-Rufai's legal team describes a press statement issued by the ICPC on March 2, 2026, as defamatory. They demand N5 billion for compensatory damages, N5 billion for exemplary punitive damages, N5 billion for aggravated damages, N500 million for injury due to falsehood, and N100 million to cover legal costs.

The total claim amounts to N15.6 billion. The legal team has given the ICPC 24 hours to comply with their demands, warning of further legal action if ignored.

Planned actions include filing contempt proceedings against the ICPC chairman and initiating a civil suit for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, and defamation.