By Becky Momodu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 8, 2026, for judgment in the N10 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice Chigozie Onah fixed the date on Wednesday after parties adopted their final written addresses and presented arguments on the suit.
El-Rufai had instituted the action against the ICPC, its Chairman, Musa Aliyu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleging that the commission unlawfully restricted access to him by his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba, while he was in detention.
The former governor is seeking N10 billion in damages and court declarations that his fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution remain enforceable despite his detention.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the court directed the parties to play CCTV recordings from the ICPC premises showing incidents involving his wife on July 4 and July 7, as well as an encounter involving his son.
El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan, argued that the footage did not establish any security breach by his client’s family members that could justify restricting their access to him.
He maintained that any limitation on a detainee’s right to receive visitors must be supported by verifiable evidence.
However, the ICPC’s counsel, Yetunde Mosunmola, urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the commission acted within its lawful authority and security regulations.
She alleged that El-Rufai’s wife breached the commission’s access protocols on two occasions, including entering its premises after official visiting hours on July 4.
The ICPC further claimed that the incidents prompted a review of its security arrangements, leading to disciplinary action against an officer involved.
The Commission also maintained that other members of El-Rufai’s family were allowed to visit him and that the restrictions were based on security concerns.
Similarly, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Maimuna Lami-Shiru, urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that the ICPC acted within the law.
The court will deliver its judgment on December 8.
