Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the alleged unlawful invasion and search of his Abuja residence. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on February 20, challenges the validity of a search warrant used to conduct the operation. He is asking the court to declare the warrant null and void.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, was filed through his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN). El-Rufai is contesting a search warrant reportedly issued on February 4 by a Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrates’ Court. He argued that the warrant lacked proper legal basis and violated his constitutional rights.
According to the application, operatives of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force allegedly searched his residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, on February 19 around 2 p.m. El-Rufai claimed the search breached his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy as guaranteed under the Constitution.
He listed the ICPC as the first respondent, alongside the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrates’ Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as other respondents. The former governor is seeking seven reliefs from the court.
Among his prayers, El-Rufai is asking the court to declare any evidence obtained during the search inadmissible in any proceedings against him. He also requested an order directing authorities to return all items seized from his residence, along with a detailed inventory.
The former governor is demanding ₦1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages. He broke down the claim into ₦300 million for psychological trauma and emotional distress, ₦400 million as exemplary damages to deter future misconduct, and ₦300 million as aggravated damages for what he described as malicious actions. He is also seeking ₦100 million as the cost of filing the suit.
His counsel argued that the warrant was defective, citing lack of specificity, typographical errors, ambiguous execution terms, and absence of probable cause. The legal team maintained that these defects contravened provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and constitutional safeguards against unlawful searches.
In a supporting affidavit, a principal secretary to El-Rufai stated that officers allegedly stormed the residence without properly specifying the items being searched for. He claimed that personal documents and electronic devices were seized, causing humiliation and distress.
The affidavit further stated that none of the seized items had been returned. El-Rufai insists the suit was filed in good faith to protect his constitutional rights and to prevent what he described as unlawful intrusion by law enforcement agencies.
The matter is now before the Federal High Court in Abuja for determination.