El-Rufai Sues ICPC for Defamation, Seeks N15.6bn Damages

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has initiated legal action against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), demanding N15.6 billion in damages. The lawsuit follows a press statement issued by the ICPC on March 2, 2026, which El-Rufai's legal team describes as defamatory and misleading.

The statement allegedly caused serious damage to El-Rufai's reputation. He accuses the ICPC of violating his fundamental rights and outlines claims for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and legal costs, which total N15.6 billion.

El-Rufai's legal notice gives the ICPC 24 hours to meet his demands, warning that failure to comply will result in further legal action. The notice also indicates that his legal team plans to pursue additional measures, including civil contempt proceedings, regarding alleged abuse of office and violations of his rights within Nigeria's regional human rights framework.