A storm has erupted between former Kaduna governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission after the anti-graft agency claimed it discovered wiretapping equipment inside his residence, an allegation that has now triggered a massive N15.6 billion lawsuit. El-Rufai and members of his family say the claim is false, […]
A storm has erupted between former Kaduna governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission after the anti-graft agency claimed it discovered wiretapping equipment inside his residence, an allegation that has now triggered a massive N15.6 billion lawsuit.
El-Rufai and members of his family say the claim is false, malicious, and calculated to destroy his reputation, insisting the agency must pay heavily for the damage caused.
The controversy began after the commission released a March 2 statement suggesting that surveillance devices had been found during operations linked to the former governor.
But in a strongly worded legal notice dated March 4, El-Rufai’s lawyers fired back, accusing the commission of defamation, unlawful detention, and abuse of power.
They argue that the public statement has already inflicted serious reputational and political damage, forcing the former governor to seek massive financial compensation.
The legal team is demanding N15.6 billion, covering damages for defamation, punitive penalties, and legal expenses.
They also gave the commission 24 hours to comply, warning that failure to do so will trigger multiple legal actions, including proceedings in regional human rights courts.