Nasir El-Rufai files ₦1bn suit against ICPC over illegal search of Abuja home
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has instituted a ₦1 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging an unlawful invasion and search of his Abuja residence.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, El-Rufai, through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu, is asking the court to nullify a search warrant issued by a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory on February 4. The warrant had authorised the search and seizure of items at his home.
El-Rufai, who has been in ICPC custody since February 18 in connection with ongoing investigations, described the operation as a violation of his fundamental rights. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, had earlier alleged that operatives of the anti-corruption agency carried out the search unlawfully.
READ ALSO: ICPC takes El-Rufai into custody amid ongoing investigations
In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, El-Rufai joined the chief magistrate who issued the warrant, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
He is seeking a declaration that the search breached his constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy under sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He also wants the court to rule that any evidence obtained from the search is inadmissible in any proceedings against him.
Additionally, the former governor is requesting an order restraining the respondents from relying on or presenting any materials seized during the search. He is asking the court to compel the ICPC and the police to return all items taken from his residence, along with a comprehensive inventory.
READ ALSO: Dangote Allegations: NMDPRA Chief rejects viral statement, welcomes ICPC investigation
El-Rufai is claiming ₦1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages, broken down into ₦300 million for psychological trauma and emotional distress, ₦400 million as exemplary damages to deter alleged misconduct by law enforcement agencies, and ₦300 million for what he termed malicious and oppressive conduct. He is also seeking ₦100 million as the cost of filing the suit, including legal fees.
In his argument, Iyamu contended that the search warrant was fundamentally defective, citing lack of specificity, drafting errors, and overbroad directives. He argued that the warrant failed to clearly describe the items to be seized and did not comply with sections 143 to 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which require written information on oath establishing reasonable grounds for suspicion.
READ ALSO: Nasir El-Rufai and the politics of calculated attrition, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
According to an affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Shaba, a principal secretary to El-Rufai, operatives of the ICPC and the police conducted the search around 2 pm on February 19. He alleged that officers did not properly identify the items sought and seized personal documents and electronic devices, which have yet to be returned.
The suit maintains that the application was filed in good faith to safeguard the former governor’s constitutional rights.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
