ICPC Told Me to Quit Politics or Remain in Detention – El-Rufai Makes Shocking Revelation
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made a startling allegation against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), claiming he was pressured to abandon politics while in detention.
In a detailed criminal complaint filed before a court, El-Rufai alleged that senior officials of the commission asked him to step away from political activities as a condition for regaining his freedom.
The filing, which spans about 30 pages, names the ICPC chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, alongside four other officials.
According to the documents submitted, the former governor said the demand was made during his time in custody. He claimed he was told clearly that he would only be released if he agreed to stop participating in politics.
The allegation was specifically captured in Paragraph 12 of the complaint. In that section, El-Rufai stated that the officers acted on directives believed to have come from the leadership of the commission.
Further details were provided in the supporting affidavit. In Paragraphs 22 to 24, his legal team explained that the pressure was not a one-off incident. They said the former governor was repeatedly warned that remaining active in politics could prolong his detention. He was also allegedly told that stepping away would secure his release.
El-Rufai argued that such a condition violates his fundamental rights. He maintained that no authority has the power to force a citizen to give up political participation as a condition for freedom.
The claim forms part of Count Six in the suit. It accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel. The offence, according to the filing, falls under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.
He is now asking the court to review the actions of the ICPC officials. He insists the alleged conduct amounts to abuse of office and an attempt to suppress his constitutional rights.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC has not issued any official response to the allegations.
