ESG Demands ICPC Explanation, Apology Over El-Rufai’s 89-Day Detention

 

ABUJA— The El-Rufai Support Group (ESG) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of orchestrating a “witch hunt” against former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and demanded a public explanation and apology within 24 hours.

In a press statement issued Saturday, 16 May 2026, ESG said El-Rufai has been held in ICPC custody for 89 days since 18 February 2026. The group described the commission’s conduct as “not accountability but an unprecedented and dangerous form of orchestrated political persecution.”

The group cited an incident on Friday, 15 May 2026, when El-Rufai was allegedly denied access to his personal physician and his wife was prevented from delivering his evening meal. ESG said the actions violated a court order granting him “unfettered access” to his medical team and family while in custody.

“This is impunity and cruelty taken too far,” the statement read. “These actions mark an unacceptable departure from civilised, moral and legal standards, and are a direct affront to the authority of the courts and the Nigerian legal system.”

ESG argued that denying El-Rufai his legal rights amounts to “physical, emotional and psychological torture,” in violation of the UN Convention Against Torture and the Nigerian Constitution. The group said the incident raises “legitimate concerns about his health and the safety of his life.”

The association demanded that the ICPC provide a public explanation within 24 hours for why its operatives allegedly disobeyed court orders. It also called for an “unreserved apology” to El-Rufai, his wife, his family, and Nigerians.

ESG urged the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly, and the National Judicial Council to intervene and prevent anti-corruption agencies from being used for “political manipulation and witch hunts.”

“It is Mallam Nasir El-Rufai today. It could be any other citizen tomorrow,” said ESG Director General Dr. Uche Diala. “We must not allow dangerous precedents to be established and entrenched.”

El-Rufai is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, ESG stressed.

The ICPC has not yet responded to the allegations.

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