The Nigeria Police Force has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following a raid on his Abuja residence.
El-Rufai had approached the court seeking damages from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Chief Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleging that law enforcement agents unlawfully searched his home in the Asokoro district, during which some items were reportedly seized.
In a counter-affidavit, the IGP defended the operation, stating that the raid was carried out under a valid court-issued warrant and in full compliance with legal procedures.
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The police further accused El-Rufai of attempting to use the lawsuit as a tactic to hinder investigation and potential prosecution.
During Thursday’s hearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, said he had not yet filed a response to the police’s counter-affidavit but had already replied to that of the ICPC.
Following the submissions, the court adjourned the case until March 25, 2026, for hearing. Justice Abdulmalik also directed that notices of the hearing be served on the Chief Magistrate of the FCT and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who were not represented in court.
The case remains under close watch as it raises critical questions about the limits of law enforcement powers and the rights of public officials in Nigeria.
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