The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of a 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), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until October 27, 2026, to allow lawyers representing the former governor to respond to a counter affidavit filed by the AGF.
AGF Files Response to El-Rufai’s Claims
When the case came up for hearing on Monday, counsel to El-Rufai, Akinyemi Aremu, informed the court that the matter was ready for hearing.
However, counsel representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mrs Maimuna Lami-Shiru, told the court that the AGF had filed a counter affidavit challenging the claims.
She requested permission to move an application seeking an extension of time to regularise the filing.
The application was not opposed by counsel representing El-Rufai, the police and ICPC, and the court granted the request.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently fixed October 27 for substantive hearing.
Origin of the N1bn Lawsuit
The former Kaduna governor instituted the case following a search of his residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, carried out by operatives of the ICPC and police personnel.
In his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, El-Rufai argued that the operation violated his constitutional rights.
He asked the court to declare that the search breached his rights to: dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, privacy.
These rights are protected under Sections 34, 35, 36 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
El-Rufai Requests Damages and Return of Seized Items
The former governor is seeking N1 billion in damages against the respondents.
He also wants the court to stop the authorities from using any materials obtained during the search in investigations or possible legal proceedings against him.
Among his requests is an order compelling the ICPC and police to return items allegedly taken during the operation and provide a detailed inventory of the materials recovered.
He further argued that any evidence obtained through what he described as an unlawful search should not be admissible in court.
ICPC Defends Search Operation
The ICPC opposed the lawsuit, saying the search was conducted based on a valid warrant issued by a competent court.
The commission said it began investigating the former governor after receiving a petition against him.
According to the anti-corruption agency, its officers executed the warrant on February 19 between 1:37 p.m. and 3:56 p.m.
It said police officers accompanied its operatives during the operation and that the exercise was witnessed by members of El-Rufai’s family, including his wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and son, Mohammed El-Rufai.
The commission urged the court to dismiss the case.
Police Reject Allegations of Rights Violation
The Nigeria Police Force also defended the operation, arguing that it acted within its legal powers.
In its response, the police said it has statutory authority to investigate offences, arrest suspects and support lawful investigations.
The force maintained that the search was conducted under a valid court-issued warrant and followed required procedures.
It argued that the lawsuit was an attempt to prevent lawful investigation and possible prosecution.
