The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has identified procedural lapses in the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Chief Magistrate of the FCT, the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF).
The court faulted the application after El‑Rufai’s counsel, Ugochukwu Nnakwu, admitted that the second respondent (the magistrate) had not been properly served. Justice Abdulmalik directed that a hearing notice be issued and adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026, for consideration of pending motions.
El‑Rufai is seeking ₦1 billion in damages, alleging that the invasion and search of his Abuja residence by ICPC and police operatives violated his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, fair hearing, and privacy. He also seeks the return of seized items, an injunction restraining reliance on evidence obtained during the search, and a declaration that such evidence is inadmissible.
In response, the ICPC argued that the search was conducted under a valid warrant issued on February 18, 2026, and executed the following day, with El‑Rufai’s family members present. The commission urged the court to dismiss the suit, listing items recovered during the operation.
The Nigeria Police Force, in its counter‑affidavit, maintained that the search was lawful, executed pursuant to a genuine court order, and in compliance with statutory procedures. It accused the applicant of attempting to use the court to shield himself from investigation and prosecution.
The case continues on March 31, when the court will hear the pending applications and determine the next steps.
... Court Faults El‑Rufai’s Rights Suit Against ICPC, Adjourns Case to March 31 ... Naijaonpoint.