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El-Rufai’s Wife Aichatou Faults ICPC Over “Wife Of A Defendant” Remark, Demands N2bn Compensation

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ICPC Pushed Back On El-Rufai’s Wife

El-Rufai’s Wife Aichatou Faults ICPC Over “Wife Of A Defendant” Remark, Demands N2bn Compensation

Aichatou el-Rufai, wife of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, has issued a pre-action notice to the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to demand N2 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

Mohammed Bello, son of the former governor, had earlier alleged that ICPC operatives denied his father access to medical and family care at the commission’s detention facility on Friday.

Bello claimed the action by the anti-graft agency violated a court order granting el-Rufai “unrestricted access to his doctors”.

He also said that el-Rufai was prevented from seeing Aichatou, his second wife, who brought him his evening meal.

ICPC: WE FOLLOW ACCESS CONTROL POLICY
Responding to the allegations on Monday, the ICPC described claims of inhumane treatment and denial of access to el-Rufai as “false and misleading”.

J. Okor Odey, ICPC spokesperson, said in a statement that the commission’s access control policy permits visits between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm, adding that the protocol applies to all detainees and visitors.

Odey said families of suspects in ICPC custody are routinely informed of the visitation guidelines and have complied with them before the incident.

He added that one of el-Rufai’s wives and a housemaid were granted access on at least three occasions between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm to deliver food to the former governor.

“Commission notes the wide circulation of a video interview since 10:00 pm on Friday, 15 May 2026. In that interview, conducted in the Hausa language and broadcast across several media platforms, a woman who identified herself as the wife of a defendant currently remanded in ICPC custody alleged that Commission operatives denied her entry into the premises at 7:00 pm to deliver food to her husband,” the statement reads.

“She further alleged that the ICPC was in violation of a court order permitting family access to the defendant, and that her husband was being denied food. The ICPC wishes to state categorically that these claims are false and misleading.”

EL-RUFAI’S WIFE DEMANDS RETRACTION, APOLOGY
In a letter addressed to the commission, counsel to Aichatou el-Rufai said parts of the statement issued by Odey were defamatory and had caused reputational harm to their client.

The lawyers argued that the commission’s description of the former governor’s wife as “a woman who identified herself as the wife of a defendant” cast doubt on her status as the lawful spouse of the former governor.

They also said the commission’s claim that her earlier assertions were “false and misleading” portrayed her as dishonest and deceptive.

According to the legal team, allegations that she violated visitation procedures at the ICPC headquarters painted her as someone who disregards institutional protocols.

The lawyers further objected to portions of the statement, which they said suggested that Aichatou el-Rufai contradicted herself on claims that her husband was denied food while in custody.

They also accused the commission of portraying her actions as an attempt to create a media spectacle to circumvent official procedures.

The letter said the ICPC publication had been widely circulated across local and international media platforms, exposing her to ridicule, embarrassment, and reputational damage.

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

The legal team demanded an immediate retraction of the statements and a public apology to their client.

They stressed that the apology should be published in at least three national newspapers and across the commission’s digital and social media platforms.

The notice also seeks N2 billion in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages over the alleged defamatory publication.

ICPC Pushed Back On El-Rufai’s Wife

El-Rufai’s Wife Aichatou

The lawyers also demanded a written undertaking from the commission assuring that no similar statements would be made about the second wife of el-Rufai in the future.

The ICPC was given 14 days to comply with the demands, failing which the legal team said it would commence legal proceedings. Eereporter.com

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Integrity As Cornerstone: ICPC Sensitises CAC Staff On Corporate Accountability In Borno

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ICPC Sensitises CAC Staff

Integrity As Cornerstone: ICPC Sensitises CAC Staff On Corporate Accountability In Borno

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Borno State Office, recently organised a sensitisation programme for the management and staff of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Maiduguri, Borno State, reinforcing the principles of corporate integrity, transparency and accountability within the public service.

Delivering the keynote remarks during the hour-long session, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Borno and Yobe States, Mr Linus Gubbi, praised the CAC for its pivotal role in strengthening corporate governance, regulating business entities and fostering a conducive commercial environment across Nigeria.

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Mr Gubbi underscored that transparency, accountability and integrity are not mere administrative buzzwords but rather the bedrock of good governance, institutional credibility and sustainable national development.

He urged CAC personnel to embrace openness in their procedures, maintain clarity in decision-making and remain answerable for all official actions.

“Public officers entrusted with responsibilities must always be prepared to subject their actions and decisions to lawful scrutiny,” the RACC asserted. He stressed that such values are especially critical for the CAC, given its direct interface with the corporate sector. He further encouraged the commission to deepen its collaboration with the ICPC to advance anti-corruption initiatives and root out corrupt practices nationwide.

In a goodwill response, Mrs Amina Adamu Toro, speaking on behalf of the CAC State Head, thanked the ICPC for the timely engagement and reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to promoting integrity and supporting anti-corruption efforts within the state.

As part of the programme, Assistant Chief Superintendent (ACS) Abba Dzikwi presented a paper entitled “Enhancing Corporate Integrity by Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Corporate Governance.” He called on CAC staff to remain transparent, diligent and professional in their duties, whilst steering clear of practices that might create openings for corruption.

ICPC Sensitises CAC Staff

ICPC Sensitises CAC Staff

He also encouraged participants to continually adopt reforms and best practices that strengthen service delivery and bolster public trust in government institutions.

The sensitisation programme forms part of the ICPC’s ongoing drive to instil ethical values, accountability and integrity across public institutions in Borno State. Eereporter.com

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CAS Commends Troops Sacrifices As NAF Rotates Personnel To Boost Welfare And Combat Readiness

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CAS Commends Troops Sacrifices

CAS Commends Troops Sacrifices As NAF Rotates Personnel To Boost Welfare And Combat Readiness

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced the rotation of personnel who have successfully completed their tour of duty in Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other operational theatres across the country.

The routine exercise reflects the commitment of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to personnel welfare and the sustenance of operational effectiveness in line with his vision of a highly motivated and combat-ready force.

The rotation policy remains a deliberate and well-established operational practice aimed at preserving the fighting spirit, mental resilience, and overall well-being of personnel deployed in demanding combat environments.

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The systematic rotation of troops ensures that officers and airmen exposed to the rigours of sustained operations are provided the opportunity to rest, recuperate, and reunite with their families after active deployment.

By preventing burnout and reducing combat fatigue, the initiative helps maintain high morale, renewed focus, and enhanced professionalism among personnel in the field. Freshly deployed troops are also expected to bring renewed energy and sustained combat effectiveness to ongoing operations across various theatres in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Speaking on the importance of the exercise, the CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed that the welfare of personnel remains a top priority of his administration. He stated that “the strength of the Nigerian Air Force lies in the dedication, resilience, and professionalism of its personnel, and their welfare will continue to receive the utmost attention.”

CAS Commends Troops Sacrifices

CAS Commends Troops Sacrifices

The CAS also commended the troops for their sacrifices, courage, and unwavering commitment in the defence of the nation, noting that their patriotism and service continue to earn the admiration and respect of Nigerians.

He assured personnel that the NAF will continue to prioritise timely rotation, adequate rest, and comprehensive support systems to keep its officers and airmen highly motivated and fully prepared to accomplish all assigned missions.
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A New Dawn For Integrity: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Inaugurates Reconstituted Anti-Corruption Unit

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Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital

A New Dawn For Integrity: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Inaugurates Reconstituted Anti-Corruption Unit

The reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) was formally inaugurated and inducted recently at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, in a ceremony underscoring the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to transparency and accountability within public institutions.

The event brought together senior hospital management, officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and newly appointed ACTU members.

The Acting Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Emmanuel Aniekan Essien, represented by Dr Alex Audu, delivered the welcome address. He emphasised the critical role of the ACTU in embedding a culture of transparency and accountability within the hospital, and pledged the institution’s full support for the unit’s mandate.

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A goodwill message on behalf of the Hon Chairman of the ICPC was delivered by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr Baba Alaro Shuaib.

He reinforced the Commission’s resolve to strengthen anti-corruption architecture across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the ACTU mechanism. He charged the newly inducted members to carry out their duties with integrity, diligence, and transparency.

Mr Nsuhoridem E. Akpan presented a paper on the Standing Orders governing ACTU operations in MDAs, covering the unit’s mandate, composition, functions, and operational guidelines. A question-and-answer session followed, allowing staff and ACTU members to seek clarification on the framework.

Dr Kioba Anabraba thereafter administered the Oath of Office to the new ACTU members of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar. The formal swearing-in marked the official inauguration of the reconstituted unit, empowering members to discharge their responsibilities under the ICPC Act of 2000.

Mrs Blessing Winter, ACTU Chairperson for the hospital, delivered the acceptance speech and vote of thanks on behalf of the inducted members.

Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital

Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital

She expressed gratitude to the ICPC and hospital management for the opportunity to serve, and pledged the unit’s unwavering commitment to the anti-corruption agenda.

The inauguration with the National Pledge and a group photograph featuring management, staff, and ACTU members.

Dr Kioba Anabraba and Mr Nsuhoridem E. Akpan jointly facilitated paper presentations on preliminary investigations and the conduct of system studies within MDAs.

Another question-and-answer session allowed new members to engage with facilitators on practical aspects of ACTU operations. Eereporter.com

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