Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s ₦1 Billion Rights Suit Against ICPC, Others to October 27
…Former Kaduna Governor Challenges Search of Abuja Residence, Seeks Damages….
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until October 27, 2026 the hearing of a ₦1 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 respondents.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the new date on Monday to allow El-Rufai’s counsel, Akinyemi Aremu, to respond to a counter-affidavit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, opposing the former governor’s claims.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, arose from the February 19 search of El-Rufai’s Abuja residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, by ICPC operatives and police officers.
When the case was called, Aremu informed the court it was scheduled for hearing. However, counsel for the AGF, Maimuna Lami-Shiru, told the court that the Federal Government had filed a counter-affidavit and sought an extension of time to regularise the process.
Counsel for the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and counsel for the ICPC did not oppose the application. Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned for definite hearing on October 27.
El-Rufai had initially listed the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrates’ Court, the IGP and the AGF as respondents. He later withdrew the magistrate after the court questioned his inability to identify the particular magistrate. The name was subsequently struck out.
The former governor is seeking ₦1 billion in damages. In his originating motion, he asked the court to declare that the search violated his fundamental rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing and privacy under Sections 34, 35, 36 and 37 of the Constitution.
He also asked the court to rule that evidence obtained from what he described as an invalid warrant and unlawful search should not be admissible.
Furthermore, he wants an order restraining respondents from using items seized during the search and directing the ICPC and police to return the seized property with a detailed inventory.
In its counter-affidavit, the ICPC said it commenced an investigation after receiving a petition against El-Rufai. The commission maintained that the search was conducted pursuant to a warrant issued by a competent court on February 18 and executed the next day between 1:37 pm and 3:56 pm.
ICPC said the operation was witnessed by Hadiza El-Rufai and Mohammed El-Rufai, and listed items it said were recovered. It urged the court to dismiss the suit.
The police also filed a counter-affidavit, arguing that it has the statutory authority to detect, arrest, investigate and prosecute suspected offenders. It said its officers complied with procedures and rejected El-Rufai’s claim that the warrant was invalid.
The police accused the former governor of attempting to use the court proceedings to shield himself from an ongoing security investigation and prosecution, and also asked the court to dismiss the suit.
The case remains pending before the Federal High Court.