El-Rufai Files N1bn Rights Suit Against ICPC Over Abuja Residence Search
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, challenging the legality of a search warrant and the alleged unlawful search of his Abuja residence. The case, before the Federal High Court in Abuja, also questions the commission’s procedures during an ongoing investigation.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has instituted a fundamental rights enforcement action against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that operatives of the agency unlawfully entered and searched his residence in Abuja.
The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026 and lodged at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeks to invalidate a search warrant issued by a Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory on February 4. The warrant had authorised ICPC officers to conduct a search and seize items from the former governor’s home.
Through his counsel, led by Oluwole Iyamu, El-Rufai is requesting the court to declare the warrant void and to nullify any actions carried out pursuant to it. He further argues that the manner in which the commission executed the operation contravened established legal procedures and infringed upon his constitutional rights.
The anti-corruption agency has reportedly held the former governor in custody since Wednesday, February 18, as part of an ongoing investigation. However, the ICPC has not publicly disclosed the specific allegations under review.
In a social media post on Thursday, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed that the residence located on Aso Drive in Abuja was searched by ICPC personnel. One of his lawyers, Ubong Akpan, subsequently criticised the operation, describing it as unlawful and a violation of due process and fundamental rights.
