El-Rufai Ally Challenges ICPC in Court, Seeks N2bn Damages Over Alleged Unlawful 15-Day Detention!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-Chief | Sele Media Africa
A legal dispute has erupted between the lawyer of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and Nigeria’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), following the alleged unlawful detention of a suspect for 15 days without court authorization.
The legal representative, identified as Abubakar Mahmud (SAN), has strongly criticized the ICPC’s actions, describing the prolonged detention as unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental human rights as guaranteed under Nigeria’s laws.
In a legal filing submitted to the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Mahmud is demanding N2 billion in damages on behalf of his client, arguing that the anti-graft agency detained the individual beyond the legally permitted period without obtaining a valid court order.
According to the lawyer, the detention breached provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires law enforcement agencies to present a suspect before a court within a reasonable time, typically not exceeding 48 hours where a court is within accessible distance.
Mahmud further maintained that the extended detention undermines Nigeria’s rule-of-law principles and sets a troubling precedent for civil liberties if left unchecked. He urged the court to not only award compensation but also declare the detention unconstitutional.
The controversy has sparked renewed debate among legal experts and civil society advocates about the conduct of anti-corruption investigations and the balance between aggressive enforcement and the protection of constitutional rights.
The ICPC, one of Nigeria’s primary anti-corruption institutions, has yet to issue a comprehensive public response to the allegations at the time of reporting. However, the commission has consistently maintained in previous cases that its investigative actions are conducted within the bounds of the law and subject to judicial oversight.
Observers say the outcome of the case could carry broader implications for how Nigerian anti-graft agencies handle suspects during investigations, particularly in high-profile cases involving politically exposed individuals.
Legal analysts note that Nigerian courts have repeatedly emphasized that detention beyond constitutional limits without judicial authorization could amount to a violation of fundamental rights, potentially exposing agencies to significant legal liability.
The court is expected to hear preliminary arguments in the matter in the coming weeks.
Sources: Premium Times, The Punch, Vanguard Newspaper, Channels Television
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
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