A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned a N1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to October 27, 2026, for definite hearing. The case was adjourned to enable el-Rufai’s counsel to respond to a counter-affidavit filed by the AGF opposing the former governor’s claims.
The suit was scheduled for a hearing when it was called, but counsel for the AGF, Maimuna Lami-Shiru, informed the court that her client had filed a counter-affidavit and sought leave to regularise it by extending the time within which it could be deemed properly filed and served. El-Rufai’s counsel, Akinyemi Aremu, and counsel to the IGP and ICPC did not oppose the application.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application and subsequently adjourned the suit till October 27, 2026, for definite hearing. The former Kaduna governor initially joined the Chief Magistrate of the Magistrates’ Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a respondent but later withdrew the name after the court observed that he could not identify the magistrate he had sued.
El-Rufai is seeking an injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from relying on, using or tendering any items or evidence seized during the search in any investigation, prosecution or other proceedings involving him. He is also seeking an order directing the ICPC and IGP to return all items allegedly seized from his residence and provide a detailed inventory of the items.
In addition to the above, el-Rufai is claiming N1 billion as general, exemplary and aggravated damages, but the respondents have opposed the claims. The ICPC, in its counter-affidavit, said it received a petition against el-Rufai and commenced an investigation that led to the search of his residence.
The ICPC’s counter-affidavit is a response to el-Rufai’s claims, and the court will consider it during the hearing on October 27, 2026. El-Rufai’s counsel will have the opportunity to respond to the counter-affidavit and argue his client’s case.
The case is one of several controversies surrounding el-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State. The ICPC and other agencies have been investigating allegations of corruption and impropriety against him. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it has implications for el-Rufai’s reputation and Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Key points
- The court case is a significant development in the ongoing investigations into el-Rufai’s activities as governor of Kaduna State.
- El-Rufai is seeking N1 billion in damages and an injunction restraining the respondents from using evidence seized during the search of his residence.
- The case has been adjourned to October 27, 2026, to allow el-Rufai’s counsel to respond to the AGF’s counter-affidavit.
