Alleged Defamation: El-Rufai’s Wife Files N2bn Suit Against ICPC

Aichatou El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has issued a pre-action notice against the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the continued detention of her husband and alleged defamatory statements made by the commission.

In the notice, Mrs El-Rufai is demanding N2 billion in damages, accusing the anti-corruption agency of publishing false and damaging statements against her in an official press release.

The legal action followed a statement released by the ICPC on May 18, 2026, titled “Clarification on the Access Control Protocol at ICPC Headquarters, Abuja.” The statement, issued by ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey, responded to controversies surrounding access to the former governor while in custody.

According to Mrs El-Rufai’s legal team, several parts of the commission’s statement were inaccurate and defamatory, causing reputational damage to her public image.

The lawyers specifically objected to the commission’s description of her as “a woman who identified herself as the wife of a defendant,” arguing that the wording cast doubt on her status as the legally recognised wife of the former governor.

They further argued that the ICPC’s characterisation of her claims as “false and misleading” portrayed her as dishonest and deceptive before the public.

According to the notice, the legal team also challenged allegations suggesting that Mrs El-Rufai violated visitation protocols at the commission’s headquarters. They insisted that such claims wrongly painted her as someone unwilling to follow due process and institutional procedures.

The lawyers additionally disputed statements implying inconsistencies in her claims regarding whether her husband was denied food while in custody.

They maintained that the comments damaged her credibility, integrity and public trustworthiness.

The notice warned that unless the alleged defamatory statements are addressed, legal proceedings may be initiated against the commission and its leadership.

The development comes amid ongoing political and legal tensions surrounding the detention of Nasir El-Rufai and the growing criticism from opposition figures and supporters over the handling of the case.