Premium News Naija- Politics Desk
In a turn of events, the former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja with a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit, challenging what he describes as an unlawful search of his residence by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and security operatives.
The high-profile case adds a new layer to ongoing conversations about anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria, the limits of state power, and the protection of constitutional rights. On this basis, the former governor of Kaduna has approached the court.
According to court documents filed before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, El-Rufai alleges that officials acting on behalf of the ICPC entered and searched his Abuja home under what he claims was a defective search warrant.
The former governor argues that the warrant lacked proper legal grounding and failed to meet constitutional standards required for lawful search and seizure. He maintains that the operation violated his rights to privacy, dignity, and personal liberty as guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.
Legal filings indicate that the suit seeks judicial clarification on whether the warrant met the threshold of probable cause and specificity required under Nigerian law.
El-Rufai is asking the court to:
Declare the search warrant invalid and unconstitutional
● Hold that the alleged invasion amounted to a breach of his fundamental human rights
● Order the return of all items reportedly taken during the operation
● Restrain authorities from using any materials obtained during the search
● Award ₦1 billion in damages for alleged psychological distress, reputational harm, and legal costs
The former governor’s legal team contends that the operation caused emotional trauma and reputational injury, warranting both compensatory and exemplary damages.
Beyond the ICPC, the suit also lists the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and other relevant authorities connected to the execution of the search warrant.
At the time of filing this report, the respondents had not publicly issued formal reactions to the claims.
The lawsuit could test the boundaries between anti-corruption enforcement and civil liberties protections in Nigeria. While anti-graft agencies are empowered to investigate public officials, the courts remain the ultimate arbiters of whether investigative actions comply with constitutional safeguards.
Legal analysts suggest that the case may clarify:
● The standards required for issuing search warrants in high-profile investigations
● The evidentiary threshold for property searches
● The extent of accountability for enforcement agencies
As proceedings unfold, the case is expected to attract national attention, given El-Rufai’s political stature and the ICPC’s central role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
Premium News Naija will continue to monitor developments in the suit and provide updates as the court sets a hearing date
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