The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) have urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a N1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna Gov. Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai sued the ICPC, its Chairman, Musa Aliyu, and the AGF, alleging that he was denied access to his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba, while in custody.
In a joint counter affidavit, the ICPC said El-Rufai was being lawfully detained under a court order and that restrictions on family visits followed security breaches at its facility.
The commission said a medical visit involving El-Rufai’s wife was allegedly turned into a political meeting, while a later incident involved an attempt by his son to gain access to the facility. It also alleged that Asabe had previously been brought into the facility after official visiting hours with the connivance of some officers.
The ICPC said the incidents prompted a temporary review of its access protocols, adding that other members of El-Rufai’s family had continued to visit him and bring meals, medication and other supplies.
The AGF, in a separate counter affidavit, said it was not responsible for El-Rufai’s arrest, detention or management of the ICPC facility and was not involved in the alleged denial of access to his family.
The AGF also argued that the court order only required the ICPC to grant El-Rufai access to his counsel and personal physician and did not provide for access to his wife or other family members.
It maintained that the ICPC was empowered to enforce security protocols within its detention facility and urged the court to dismiss the suit.
