…Accuses ICPC of political coercion
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, is set to be transferred to Kaduna to face a fresh corruption trial, even as he levels serious allegations against officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing them of attempting to force him out of politics. Â
Security sources confirmed yesterday that arrangements were underway to move el-Rufa’i from Abuja, where he is currently in ICPC custody, to Kaduna for new legal proceedings. A senior official disclosed that the transfer is linked to a fresh trial, although details of the charges and the timeline remain unclear. Â
The development follows a legislative investigation by the Kaduna State House of Assembly into el-Rufa’i’s administration between 2015 and 2023. The Assembly said its probe uncovered significant irregularities in the management of state finances, leading to his indictment over alleged misappropriation and financial mismanagement. Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf ÆŠahiru Liman, confirmed that the probe had been concluded and its findings forwarded to appropriate authorities in line with constitutional provisions. The investigation sparked protests by civil society groups, who demanded accountability and transparency at the Assembly complex.
Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has also alleged that about ₦423 billion from the previous administration could not be properly accounted for, further intensifying scrutiny around el-Rufai’s tenure. He additionally accused his predecessor of leaving behind a heavy debt burden that has complicated governance in the state.
However, allies of the former governor have dismissed the allegations as politically-motivated, describing them as a smear campaign.
Amid the mounting legal pressure, el-Rufa’i has filed a 30-page criminal complaint accusing ICPC officials, including its chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, of attempting to coerce him into abandoning politics as a condition for his release. According to the court filing, the former governor alleged that while in detention, ICPC operatives told him he would regain his freedom only if he withdrew from political activities. The claim, detailed in Paragraph 12 of the complaint, further stated that the officers acted on the authority of the Commission’s leadership.
His legal team also alleged in supporting affidavits that he was warned repeatedly that continued political involvement could prolong his detention, while stepping away from politics would secure his release. El-Rufa’i argued that the alleged demand constitutes a violation of his constitutional rights and an abuse of power aimed at restricting his participation in the political process.
The allegation forms the basis of Count-6 in the complaint, which accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel—an offence punishable under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.
He is now asking the court to investigate the actions of the ICPC officials.
