Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai sues ICPC for N1bn over Abuja residence search, seeks damages and injunction
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), following what he describes as an unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence.
Also read: Lawyer Says FG Shows No Interest in Prosecuting El-Rufai
El-Rufai, through his lead lawyer Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), asked the court to declare the search warrant issued on February 4 by the FCT Magistrate Court invalid, null, and void.
The former governor contends that the warrant was overly broad, ambiguous, and lacked probable cause, making the search a violation of Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the Constitution that protect dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
“The invasion and search of my residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, carried out under an invalid warrant, constitutes a gross violation of my fundamental rights,” El-Rufai stated in the originating motion filed under FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026.
The suit names the ICPC as the first respondent, while the chief magistrate, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation are the second to fourth respondents.
El-Rufai is seeking seven reliefs from the court, including:
An injunction restraining the respondents from using any items or evidence seized during the search in any investigation or legal proceeding
Return of all seized items along with a detailed inventory
N1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages for trespass, unlawful seizure, psychological trauma, humiliation, distress, privacy infringement, and reputational harm
In response to El-Rufai’s legal action, ambassador-designate Reno Omokri mocked the former governor on X, suggesting that his African Democratic Congress colleagues and supporters had largely moved on, leaving him isolated during his detention.
Also read: Nasir El-Rufai Rearrested by ICPC After EFCC Bail
A source close to El-Rufai reportedly confirmed that he is not contesting any elective position in the 2027 election, but remains focused on opposing President Bola Tinubu’s second-term agenda.
