El-Rufai serves ICPC pre-action notice, alleges forgery, abuse of office
Former Kaduna Governor Initiates Legal Action Against ICPC
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has formally notified the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of impending legal action. The pre-action notice was delivered on March 4, 2026, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja by El-Rufai’s legal representatives.
In the letter, El-Rufai accuses the ICPC of various offenses, including contempt of court, malicious prosecution, defamation, forgery, unlawful detention, and violations of his constitutional rights. This notice is a response to a press statement issued by the ICPC on March 2, which El-Rufai’s legal team described as “reckless, defamatory, and legally untenable.”
The notice criticizes the ICPC for what it terms “a circus of chicanery” and warns that it represents the final step before full legal proceedings begin. The letter asserts that instead of adhering to appropriate legal procedures, the ICPC has resorted to a media trial.
El-Rufai’s legal team contends that the former governor’s right to remain silent during ICPC investigations has been mischaracterized as non-cooperation. They reference sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution that guarantee the right to be informed of arrest grounds and allow silence during criminal proceedings without it being construed as evidence of guilt.
El-Rufai challenged the ICPC directly, stating, “Charge me, if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, please.”
One of the key allegations in the notice involves a remand order dated February 19, 2026. El-Rufai’s representatives claim this order is a forgery. They highlight jurisdictional issues, asserting that the order was issued by a Chief Magistrate Court for offenses beyond its jurisdiction. They also cite a Supreme Court ruling affirming that proceedings by a magistrate lacking jurisdiction are null and void.
The legal team further accuses the ICPC of employing media strategies to manipulate public perception and of attempting to obtain illegal judicial orders. They indicate that ICPC officials, including its Chairman, may face personal and official liability for their actions.
The notice concludes by formally placing the ICPC on pre-action notice, signaling that El-Rufai is prepared to initiate legal proceedings for the alleged offenses. The letter states, “We have been instructed to commence immediate legal proceedings against the Commission, its Chairman, and any other officers responsible for this series of illegalities.”
