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Nasir El-Rufai alleges Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pressured him to stop political activities during detention.
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Ex-governor files 30-page criminal complaint against ICPC chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu and four officials.
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Complaint claims wrongful confinement and attempt to restrict political rights under Nigeria’s Penal Code.
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of attempting to force him to withdraw from political activities while he was in detention.
The allegation is contained in a 30-page criminal complaint filed in court by the former governor against ICPC chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu and four officials of the anti-corruption agency.
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According to the court filing, El-Rufai claimed that officials of the commission told him during his detention that his release would depend on his willingness to step away from politics.
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The allegation appears in Paragraph 12 of the complaint, where the former governor stated that officers acting on the authority of the ICPC chairman allegedly informed him that he would regain his freedom only if he ceased all political involvement.
In an affidavit supporting the complaint, particularly Paragraphs 22 to 24, his legal counsel further alleged that the former governor was repeatedly warned that continuing political activities could prolong his detention.
The affidavit also claimed he was told that committing to withdraw from politics would facilitate his release.
El-Rufai argued that the alleged demand amounts to an attempt to deny him his constitutional rights to participate in politics.
The claim forms the basis of Count Six in the complaint, which accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence referenced under Sections 264 and 267 of Nigeria’s Penal Code.
The former governor is asking the court to review the conduct of the ICPC officials, arguing that the alleged actions constitute abuse of office and an unlawful attempt to limit his role in the political process.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has yet to issue an official response to the allegations raised in the court filing.
