Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai’s N1bn suit against ICPC hits setback; court adjourns to March 11, 2026

The rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and four others suffered a setback on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the inability of his lawyer to serve the respondents.

Also read: Nasir El-Rufai faces cybercrime charges in Abuja

El-Rufai is seeking N1 billion in damages against the respondents, which include:

1st Respondent: ICPC
2nd Respondent: Chief Magistrate, Magistrate’s Court of the FCT, Abuja
3rd Respondent: Inspector-General of Police
4th Respondent: Attorney-General of the Federation

During proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, only Ubong Akpan, representing El-Rufai, was present, while none of the respondents had representation.

The court was informed that service of the respondents had not been effected, prompting the judge to adjourn the matter to March 11 for further mention.

El-Rufai, through a legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu, seeks several declarations, including that the search warrant issued on February 4 authorizing a search of his residence was invalid and unconstitutional.

Also read: El-Rufai remains in custody as ICPC delays bail response

He argues that the warrant lacked particularity, contained drafting errors, and violated his rights under Sections 34–37 of the Constitution.

He also seeks:

An injunction restraining respondents from using seized items in any proceedings
Return of all seized items with a detailed inventory
General, exemplary, and aggravated damages totaling N1 billion

The suit stems from a February 19 search and seizure operation at El-Rufai’s residence in Abuja, which he claims violated his fundamental rights, including personal liberty, dignity, and privacy.