Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) tried to force him out of politics as a condition for his release from detention.
In a detailed 30-page criminal complaint filed before a court, El-Rufai accused the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, along with four other officials, of attempting to coerce him into abandoning his political career.
According to the filing, the former governor claimed that while in detention, ICPC officers told him he would only regain his freedom if he agreed to stop all political activities.
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He described the alleged demand as a violation of his constitutional rights and an abuse of power.
The claims were highlighted in several sections of the complaint, where El-Rufai stated that he was repeatedly warned that continuing his involvement in politics could prolong his detention.
He further alleged that only a firm commitment to withdraw from political life would secure his release.
The accusation forms part of a charge of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence under the Penal Code.
El-Rufai is now urging the court to investigate the conduct of the anti-corruption agency, insisting that the actions of its officials were unlawful and politically motivated.
As of the time of filing this report, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has not issued an official response to the allegations.
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