JUST IN: Court Questions El-Rufai’s N1bn Rights Suit Against ICPC, Others
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday raised fresh concerns over the N1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other parties.
Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the application after it emerged that one of the key respondents, identified as a magistrate, had not been served with court processes.
The development immediately drew the court’s attention at the start of proceedings, where all other parties were represented except the said magistrate.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Ugochukwu Nnakwu, informed the court of the situation. His disclosure prompted the judge to demand clarity on the identity of the magistrate listed in the suit.
The court insisted that such details were necessary for proper adjudication of the matter.
Meanwhile, counsel representing the ICPC, Isaac Akwo, sought a short adjournment to enable the appearance of his senior colleague, Abdu Mohammed, SAN.
However, the request was turned down by the court due to time constraints and other scheduled matters.
Following the judge’s observations, Nnakwu admitted the need to address the gaps identified by the court. He subsequently applied for an adjournment to regularise the processes and ensure proper service on all parties involved.
Lawyers representing other respondents, including R.N. Maiguru for the Inspector-General of Police and Chima Augustine for the Attorney-General of the Federation, did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Justice Abdulmalik thereafter adjourned the case to March 31 for hearing of the pending motion. The court also directed that a hearing notice be issued and served on the magistrate who has not yet been brought before the court.
El-Rufai, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026 and filed on February 20, is seeking N1 billion in damages. He is asking the court to award general, exemplary, and aggravated damages over what he described as an unlawful invasion of his residence.
The former governor alleged that operatives of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force stormed his Abuja home on February 19 at about 2pm. According to him, the action violated his constitutional rights, including his right to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
He further urged the court to declare that any material obtained during the search should not be admissible in any legal proceedings. He also asked for an order restraining the agencies from making use of such items.
In addition, El-Rufai is seeking the immediate return of all properties allegedly taken from his residence, along with a comprehensive inventory of the items recovered during the operation.
However, the ICPC has pushed back against the claims. In its counter-affidavit, the commission stated that its actions were based on a petition received against the former governor. It maintained that the search was carried out legally, backed by a valid warrant issued a day before the operation.
The commission disclosed that the exercise took place at El-Rufai’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, within a defined timeframe and in the presence of family members, including his wife, Hadiza, and son, Mohammed. It also listed items it claimed were recovered during the search.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force defended its role in the operation. In its response, the police said its officers acted within the law and in line with their mandate to investigate criminal allegations. It insisted that due process was followed throughout the exercise.
The police further argued that the suit is an attempt to obstruct lawful investigation and shield the former governor from possible prosecution.
The case is expected to resume later in the month as the court prepares to hear arguments from all parties.
