The legal team representing former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing attack on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing the agency’s actions as “an absolute disgrace” to the legal profession.
In a letter addressed to the ICPC Chairman, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Mr. Ubong Akpan, accused the commission of “dishonest and borderline criminal misuse” of the judicial system in connection with his client’s detention, which has reportedly exceeded 15 days.
Akpan alleged that the ICPC initially obtained a 14-day remand order on February 19, 2026, through “fraudulent representations” and has since failed to bring the former governor before a court of competent jurisdiction. The defence also accused the commission of “forum shopping” by approaching a Magistrate Court in Bwari over alleged money laundering offences — a matter that, they argue, falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
“What we have witnessed from the Commission over the past 15 days is nothing short of an absolute disgrace to the practice of law… that would shame any law enforcement agency in any civilized jurisdiction,” Akpan stated.
The lawyer further alleged that ICPC officers committed perjury by breaching undertakings made on oath to charge El-Rufai to court upon conclusion of the investigation. Key claims of misconduct include:
The original remand order was reportedly never served on El-Rufai or his counsel, violating his right to a fair hearing.
The commission allegedly attempted to renew a “void order” before a court lacking jurisdiction, even after the initial remand period expired on March 4, 2026.
Detaining El-Rufai without charge for over 15 days, the defence argues, contravenes Section 35 of the Constitution, constituting unlawful detention.
Akpan warned the ICPC Chairman that “every hour El-Rufai remains in your custody is a separate and distinct tort of false imprisonment” for which he could be held personally liable.
The legal team is demanding the immediate release of the former governor, a public apology in three national newspapers, and N2 billion in damages. They also signaled plans to escalate the matter, including lodging a formal complaint with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and referring the case to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police for investigation and possible prosecution of officers who allegedly provided false affidavits.
