ICPC

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has taken legal action against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing the agency of illegally raiding his residence in Abuja.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu. In the case, El-Rufai is asking the court to invalidate a search warrant issued by a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory on February 4. The warrant authorised security operatives to conduct a search and seize items from his home.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since Wednesday, February 18, over what officials described as “connection with investigations”. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, earlier alleged that operatives of the anti-graft agency carried out an “unlawful” search at the residence.

In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, the former governor listed the chief magistrate who approved the warrant, the inspector-general of police, and the attorney-general of the federation as respondents.

He is seeking a court declaration that the actions of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force violated his constitutional rights. These include the rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy as provided under sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the constitution.

El-Rufai also asked the court to rule that any material obtained during the search should not be admitted as evidence in any legal proceedings against him. He argued that such evidence was obtained in violation of constitutional provisions. He further requested an order preventing the respondents from using any items seized during the operation.

In addition, the former governor urged the court to compel the ICPC and the police to return all items taken from his residence, along with a detailed list of those items.

He is demanding N1 billion in damages over what he described as trespass, unlawful seizure, psychological distress, and reputational damage. The claim includes N300 million as compensation for emotional trauma, N400 million as exemplary damages to discourage misconduct by law enforcement agencies, and N300 million as aggravated damages for what he termed “malicious, high-handed and oppressive” conduct.

El-Rufai also requested N100 million to cover the cost of filing the suit and legal representation.

‘Warrant Riddled With Defects’

In his argument, Iyamu maintained that the search warrant was fundamentally flawed. He said it failed to clearly state the items to be seized, contained significant drafting errors, and gave overly broad powers to those executing it.

“The search warrant was null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, over-breadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search,” the lawyer said.

He cited sections 143 to 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, noting that applications for search warrants must be backed by sworn statements that show reasonable grounds for suspicion.

Iyamu further stated that the warrant “vaguely referred to ‘the thing aforesaid’ without any particular description”, adding that it did not follow the prescribed format and contained mistakes related to address, date, and district.

He also criticised the directive for being addressed broadly to “all officers”, which he described as excessive and lacking accountability.

An affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Shaba, identified as a principal secretary to El-Rufai, claimed that operatives of the ICPC and police arrived at the residence around 2 pm on February 19.

Shaba alleged that the warrant did not specify the items being sought and that officers did not allow themselves to be searched before the operation. He also stated that personal belongings, including documents and electronic devices, were taken.

According to him, none of the seized items has been returned, and the authorities “continue to rely on the unlawful evidence”.

He added that the suit was filed in good faith to protect El-Rufai’s constitutional rights.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has commenced the monitoring of 72 constituency projects valued at N16.3 billion across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State.

Assistant Commissioner of the commission, Wale David, made this known on Saturday in Lokoja.

He explained that the exercise is meant to ensure that the projects followed due process and are delivering real benefits to the public.

David added that the commission will probe projects that have been abandoned as well as those suspected to have been poorly executed. He said contractors linked to substandard work will be directed to return to site and fix the identified issues.

He also stated that intervention programmes will be reviewed to confirm the actual beneficiaries and assess how well they were implemented.

According to him, the exercise started in Lokoja with the inspection of the N6.2 billion Federal Secretariat Complex project and the N6.4 billion Inland River Port project.

He further disclosed that the monitoring will cover all 21 local government areas of Kogi State.

The commission noted that the initiative is part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability in public procurement. It added that the move is also intended to ensure that residents of the state benefit from projects funded by the Federal Government.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has confirmed the receipt of a petition filed by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.

In a media release issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, by the Commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the petition was formally submitted through Dangote’s legal representative.

The Commission stated, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.”

The ICPC assured the public that the allegations contained in the petition would be subjected to due process.

According to the statement, “The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”

The confirmation follows recent public attention generated by allegations made by Dangote against the leadership of the NMDPRA, which have sparked debates and reactions across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has filed a petition against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ahmed Farouk, before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The petition, dated December 16 and submitted through Dangote’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, urged the ICPC to arrest, investigate and prosecute the NMDPRA chief over allegations of corruption and living far above his lawful income as a public officer.

The document, which was received by the office of the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, SAN, alleged that Farouk spent more than seven million dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland. The petition claimed that the fees were allegedly paid upfront for a six-month period without any legitimate source of income to justify such spending.

“That Engr Farouk Ahmed has grossly abused his office contrary to the extant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and, in doing enmeshed himself in monumental corruption and unlawful spending of Public funds running into millions of dollars.

“That Engr Farouk Ahmed spent without evidence of lawful means of income humongous amount of money of over 7million dollars of Public funds, for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront,” the petition read.

Dangote listed the names of the four children, the Swiss schools they attend and the amounts allegedly paid on their behalf, stating that the details would enable the ICPC to verify the claims.

He further accused Farouk of using the NMDPRA as a tool to divert and embezzle public funds for personal benefit and private interests. Dangote said such actions had triggered public outrage and led to recent protests by different groups.

According to the businessman, Farouk has spent his entire adult working life in public service and could not, based on his legitimate earnings, have amassed funds close to the alleged seven million dollars used to sponsor his children’s education abroad.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Chief Magistrate Court No. 15 in Kano has ordered police to investigate Daily Nigerian publisher, Jafar Jafar, and a staff of the newspaper, Audu Umar, over allegations of criminal defamation against the Director General of Protocol, Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo.

Rogo filed the case, accusing the duo of maliciously describing him as a “thieving aide” to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in two reports published on August 22 and 25, 2025. He argued that the stories, carried by Daily Nigerian, were deliberately crafted to tarnish his reputation and portray him as corrupt.

One of the reports, titled “Gov. Yusuf Defends Thieving Aide, Says Protocol Directorate Under Ganduje Spent N20 Billion in 3 Months”, and another alleging that anti-graft agencies traced ₦6.5 billion to his office, were cited as damaging to his image.

The complaint, filed under Sections 106 and 107 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019, and Sections 114 and 393 of the Penal Code, seeks prosecution for defamation and breach of public peace.

Chief Magistrate Abdul’aziz M. Habib subsequently directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One, to launch a full-scale investigation.

Meanwhile, Rogo has also filed a civil suit at the Kano State High Court demanding damages for defamation.

By Sabiu Abdullhi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has held a sensitisation workshop aimed at boosting the efficiency of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

The event was organised for senior management staff of Customs and took place in Abuja on August 21, 2025.Speaking at the opening, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the fight against corruption within the Service has been a long-standing effort.

He explained that the workshop was designed to reinforce internal checks and entrench integrity at all levels.”Having you here today demonstrates our resolve to fight corruption. Being with us further encourages us and strengthens that desire to enforce our Anti-Corruption initiatives that we have put in place,” he said.

He added that the lessons from the exercise would be passed on to other officers and would help drive better service delivery.

He further assured that Customs, working with its stakeholders, would not relent until corruption is fully eradicated.

Also speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, who was represented by Olusegun Adigun, praised the Customs leadership for prioritising accountability and ensuring that the sensitisation was held.

“Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to national development, eroding trust, stifling economic growth and diminishing the effectiveness of governance,” he said.

He continued, “As we engage in today’s discourse, let us remember that every act of integrity contributes to a stronger, more transparent society. Let this workshop be a catalyst for a renewed commitment, innovation and proactive engagement in the fight against corruption.”

He urged Customs personnel to remain committed to ethical standards and encouraged management to sustain support for ACTU’s operations.

“Every act of integrity will help reshape society,” he added.

The workshop featured paper presentations, including “Understanding the ACTU Standing Order 2023” by an ICPC official, and “Preventive Strategies in Combating Corruption in Public Institutions” delivered by Richard Bello.

Both papers underscored the importance of preventive reforms and stronger institutional frameworks against unethical practices.

Bringing the event to a close, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who heads the Customs Intelligence Unit, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to working closely with ICPC.

He stressed that accountability and transparency remain central to Customs’ ongoing reforms.

“We’re deeply grateful to the ACTU for initiating and championing this Programme. Your relentless effort towards promoting accountability and good governance did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced the trial of Mr. Olajimi Shakiru Adebisi Lawal, a former aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alongside three others, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The trial began on Monday, July 21, 2025, before Justice R.M. Aikawa, with the defendants facing charges bordering on fraudulent estacode payments and abuse of public office during their tenure in government service.

At the opening of the proceedings, the prosecution presented three witnesses—Mrs. Aisha Dikko Kalil, Mrs. Bariyatu Yusuf, and Mr. Samuel Aruwan—all former senior officials in the Kaduna State Government.

While giving her testimony, Mrs. Kalil, who served as Attorney-General of Kaduna State from 2019 to 2023, told the court that tuition fees for all foreign training she attended were paid directly by the state government to the respective institutions.

She added that estacode allowances were, however, paid into her personal Guaranty Trust Bank account.She confirmed receiving over N5 million in estacode payments but clarified that none of the funds came from the first defendant, Mr. Lawal.

She also stated that the total tuition fees for the training programs amounted to \$9,100.

The court admitted various documents in evidence, including her bank statements, official approvals for foreign training, and training certificates.

By Haroon Aremu Abiodun

Despite the turbulence of 2024, Nigeria’s intelligence and anti-graft agencies recorded significant achievements. The Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and anti-corruption bodies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) made notable strides in combating corruption, safeguarding national security, and upholding the rule of law.

However, Emergency Digest reports that pressing challenges persist within these institutions, threatening sustained progress and credibility. This report delves into landmark achievements, systemic lapses, and broader implications for national security, highlighting the contributions of the NSA and other agencies such as the ICPC, DSS, and NIA.

EFCC: Wins Amid Controversies

Under Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC made impressive progress in tackling financial crimes. Notable accomplishments include a groundbreaking operation that led to the arrest of 792 individuals involved in cryptocurrency and romance scams in Lagos and the recovery of N230 billion and $105 million within a year. A major victory was the forfeiture of a sprawling Abuja estate valued at billions, reflecting the agency’s commitment to asset recovery.

Nevertheless, high-profile cases, like the delayed arrest of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and allegations of dropped charges against crossdresser Bobrisky in exchange for bribes, raised concerns about the EFCC’s integrity. Critics have also highlighted the agency’s inaction on prosecuting high-profile figures such as Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, despite substantial evidence of corruption.

ICPC: Quiet but Impactful

The ICPC maintained a low profile but achieved commendable results, recovering N52 billion and $966,900 in misappropriated funds in a year. The commission exposed corruption in government contracts, cracked down on job racketeering, and raised concerns about misused funds in constituency projects.

Despite these successes, the ICPC struggles with transparency challenges, understaffing, and limited resources. Addressing these gaps is essential to sustain its fight against systemic corruption.

DSS: Vigilance Amid Criticism

The DSS maintained its critical role, thwarting terrorism plots, dismantling organised crime networks, and protecting vital national assets. However, the agency was criticized for alleged overreach, unlawful detentions, and a lack of transparency.

In a notable clash with the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), the DSS faced backlash for questioning the group’s leaders after they criticized Nigeria’s human rights record. Similarly, unresolved issues surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s case have cast a shadow over the DSS’s otherwise commendable efforts.

NIA: Expanding Reach, Addressing Gaps

The NIA expanded its global intelligence capabilities, collaborating on transnational crime and cyber threats. However, internal mismanagement and opacity remain significant concerns. With Mohammed Mohammed’s appointment as Director-General, there is hope for renewed efficiency and accountability.

ONSA: Orchestrating National Security

Under Malam Nuhu Ribadu’s leadership, the NSA made strides in combating terrorism and reuniting kidnapping victims with their families. However, controversial policies like the Cyber Security Levy faced opposition from stakeholders, highlighting the need for transparent communication.

To enhance its impact, the NSA must foster better relationships with the media and citizens, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information without compromising sensitive intelligence.

Recommendations for Progress

1. Strengthen Institutional Frameworks: Leverage technology and intelligence to prevent crime and enhance efficiency.

2. Enhance Public-Agency Relations: Foster trust through targeted awareness campaigns and transparent communication strategies.

3. Improve Leadership Accountability: Ensure transparent appointments and performance evaluations for agency heads.

4. Foster International Cooperation: Strengthen ties with global intelligence and financial institutions.

5. Address Root Causes: Combat unemployment and poverty to reduce criminal recruitment.

The collective efforts of Nigeria’s intelligence and anti-graft agencies in 2024 have established a solid foundation for a corruption-free society. From the EFCC’s groundbreaking operations to the ICPC’s meticulous investigations, these achievements underscore the potential for lasting change.

Nevertheless, tackling ongoing challenges, including transparency, resource limitations, and inter-agency coordination is essential. A collaborative approach—reinforcing institutions, enhancing public trust, and promoting integrity—will secure a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a Public Affairs Analyst, Advocate for National Development and Fellow of PRNigeria. He can be reached at exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and 13 other agencies failed to meet the standards set by its 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

This revelation underscores the inability of several prominent institutions to adhere to the ethical benchmarks established by the ICPC.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the agency’s EICS report by Dr. Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the ICPC, who was represented by Demola Bakare, the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education.

According to Aliyu, a total of 330 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were evaluated in the outgoing year, with none achieving full compliance.

Among the 15 non-compliant MDAs were the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Legal Aid Council, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and several others.

These agencies reportedly failed to conduct system studies or submit required financial and audit reports.

Aliyu cautioned that the ICPC would take necessary enforcement measures to ensure compliance.

Despite the shortcomings of some MDAs, he commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for leading the compliance rankings with a score of 89.75 percent, followed by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (89.33 percent) and Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (88.73 percent).

The assessment focused on indicators such as Management Culture and Structure, Governance and Executive Management, Financial Management Systems, and Administrative Systems. It also examined policies on ethics education, whistle-blowing mechanisms, and stock verification.

Aliyu stated that the EICS serves as a tool for identifying gaps, advising on policy, and fostering self-evaluation among MDAs. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the ICPC tracked 1,500 projects across 22 states, valued at N610 billion, recovering N346 million in cash, N400 million in assets, and saving N30 billion for the government.

The report highlighted that 29.55 percent of MDAs achieved substantial compliance, 51.62 percent partial compliance, and 2.92 percent were categorized as non-compliant.

Jimoh Sulaiman, Head of the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative, noted that tracking projects had increased completion rates and public accountability.

“Nigerians now realize that project funding originates from the Federal Government, not politicians’ pockets, leading to greater demand for accountability,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has implemented a series of measures to strengthen its anti-corruption framework and improve governance.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day on Tuesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf unveiled the Kano Integrated Governance Accountability System.

The system, to be implemented across all 44 local government areas, will utilize an e-portal to enhance transparency in contract awards and public administration.

Governor Yusuf highlighted the state’s progress in developing a Central Criminal Register Software designed to streamline the criminal justice process, ensure fairness, and combat corruption effectively.

“To bolster our anti-corruption efforts, we have proposed amendments to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Law and are working on a Proceeds of Crime Bill to ensure transparent management of recovered assets,” Yusuf stated.

He described the significance of eradicating corruption as a “cancer that erodes trust and undermines institutions.”

He also linked anti-corruption efforts to protecting human rights, stressing the administration’s commitment to justice, equity, and accountability.

The event featured a symposium and an evening musical concert to engage stakeholders, particularly youth, in the fight against corruption, human rights abuses, and gender-based violence.

The Governor commended the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, which is led by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, for its dedication to promoting transparency and accountability.

He also extended appreciation to federal anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, and the National Human Rights Commission, as well as development partners like the MacArthur Foundation and ROLAC, for their collaborative efforts.

In his address, Barrister Rimingado reiterated the Commission’s commitment to tackling corruption and urged young Nigerians to participate in the fight actively.

The state’s Attorney General, Haruna Isa-Dederi, also praised the Governor for providing an enabling environment and revealed that the Ministry of Justice now has an Anti-Corruption Unit empowered to investigate and prosecute cases.

Representing the ICPC Chairman, Ibrahim Garba-Kagara highlighted the challenges of combating corruption, citing insufficient political will and public awareness as key obstacles.

However, he commended Kano State’s proactive approach and encouraged youth participation.

The symposium drew participants from various sectors, including representatives from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and officials from the EFCC, DSS, Code of Conduct Bureau, civil society organizations, and the Kano State Police Command.

The initiatives unveiled underscore the state’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.