El-Rufai’s wife demands N2bn damages from ICPC chairman over alleged defamation

Aichatou El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has issued a pre-action notice against the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, demanding ₦2 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter filed by her legal team, Mrs El-Rufai accused the commission of damaging her reputation through a press statement titled “Clarification on the Access Control Protocol at ICPC Headquarters, Abuja,” released on May 18, 2026.

The statement, read by ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey, was said to have described her as “a woman who identified herself as the wife of a defendant,” a wording her lawyers argued cast doubt on her status as the lawful spouse of the former governor.

They further contended that the commission’s assertion that her earlier claims were “false and misleading” effectively portrayed her as dishonest and manipulative in the eyes of the public.

The legal team also objected to claims that she breached visitation protocols at the commission’s facility, saying the remarks depicted her as someone who disregards institutional rules.

In addition, the lawyers said parts of the statement suggested she contradicted herself over allegations that her husband was denied food while in custody, thereby undermining her credibility.

They also faulted the commission for allegedly implying that she staged a media spectacle to bypass official procedures, describing the claim as malicious.

According to the notice, the publication has gained wide circulation both locally and internationally, exposing Mrs El-Rufai to ridicule and reputational harm.

Her lawyers described her as a woman of “unblemished character” and accused the commission of using its platform to unfairly target a private citizen.

They demanded an immediate retraction and public apology to be published in at least three national newspapers and across the commission’s digital platforms.

The legal team is also seeking ₦2 billion in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, along with a written assurance that no similar statements would be issued in future.

The ICPC has been given 14 days to comply with the demands or face legal action.