ICPC, El-Rufai’s wife clash over N2bn defamation suit

Aichatou El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, is pursuing a N2 billion defamation lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Her legal representatives have issued a pre-action notice to the ICPC chairman, citing alleged defamatory statements made against her in a press release issued by the anti-graft agency on May 18, 2026.

The press statement, read by ICPC spokesperson John Odey, reportedly contained portions that El-Rufai's lawyers argue have caused significant harm to her reputation. Specifically, they object to the description of Mrs. El-Rufai as "a woman who identified herself as the wife of a defendant," contending that this phrasing casts doubt on her status as the lawful spouse. Furthermore, the lawyers argue that the commission's assertion that her earlier claims were "false and misleading" portrays her as dishonest and deceptive.

El-Rufai's legal team also challenged allegations that she violated visitation procedures at the ICPC headquarters, insisting these claims paint her as someone who disregards institutional protocols. The notice further objects to remarks suggesting she contradicted herself regarding claims that her husband was denied food while in custody, arguing these remarks undermine her credibility and unfairly portray her actions as an attempt to create a media spectacle.

The pre-action notice demands an immediate retraction of the statements and a public apology to Mrs. El-Rufai, to be published in national newspapers and circulated on the commission's digital platforms. The legal team is also seeking N2 billion in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for the alleged harm caused by the publication. ICPC spokesperson John Odey stated he had not yet received details of the suit but would confirm on Monday.

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I have not seen it but I will confirm on Monday and get back to you.