The ongoing detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has taken a more personal turn, as his legal battle with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) coincides with a family celebration marking his 27th wedding anniversary.

El-Rufai has filed a fresh N10 billion fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing the ICPC of restricting his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba el-Rufai, from visiting him in custody.

In the suit filed on August 13, 2026, by his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, the former governor alleged that the restrictions persisted despite an earlier court order allowing visits by his family members and legal representatives.

He told the court that the denial of access had affected his ability to receive food, medication and other essential items from his family. He also alleged that ICPC officers physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son during an incident on July 7.

El-Rufai is asking the court to declare the alleged restrictions unconstitutional and to order the ICPC to grant him reasonable and unhindered access to his family and lawyers throughout his detention.

The former governor argued that the alleged treatment violated his constitutional rights to dignity and private and family life, while also citing protections under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Amid the legal battle, El-Rufai’s son, Mohammed El-Rufai, used the occasion of his father and stepmother Asia’s 27th wedding anniversary to pay tribute to the woman he described as a major influence in his life.

In a Facebook post, Mohammed described Asia as the “glue” of the family, praising her compassion, intellect and commitment to supporting widows and orphans.

He recalled how she returned him to Zaria Academy when he was in Junior Secondary School 1 and said her teachings had significantly shaped his values and approach to public service.

Mohammed also praised Asia for standing by his father through different phases of his life, describing her presence and support as particularly important during the former governor’s current detention.

The anniversary message has therefore offered a contrasting picture to the legal dispute surrounding El-Rufai, highlighting the family’s personal bond at a time when access to the former governor has become the subject of a fresh court battle.

The suit, which names the ICPC chairman and the Attorney General of the Federation as defendants alongside the commission, is now before the Federal High Court in Abuja for determination.