The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of a fundamental rights enforcement 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, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT, Abuja, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) until March 25.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case to allow parties to regularise their processes.
The judge also ordered that the 2nd and 4th respondents the Chief Magistrate and the AGF, who were absent in court be issued and served with hearing notices.
Read also:More troubles as ICPC raids El-Rufai’s residence
El-Rufai, through his counsel Ubong Akpan, is seeking N1 billion in damages and seven reliefs, claiming that the invasion and search of his Abuja residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, on February 19, 2026, violated his fundamental rights.
The former governor argued that the search breached his rights to personal liberty, dignity, fair hearing, and privacy under Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the Constitution.
Among his prayers, El-Rufai sought a declaration that any evidence obtained during the search is inadmissible in any proceedings, an injunction restraining respondents from using the seized items, an order for the return of all seized materials, and N1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages.
Responding, ICPC, in a counter affidavit, argued that it acted on a petition against El-Rufai and executed a lawful search warrant issued on February 18.
The commission said the exercise was witnessed by El-Rufai’s wife and son and urged the court to dismiss the suit.
The police, through Insp. Ewa Anthony, also defended the search, asserting that it was carried out under a valid court order and in compliance with all legal procedures.
The police claimed that El-Rufai was attempting to use the court to shield himself from ongoing investigations and prosecutions.
The case, filed under originating motion FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, will now resume for hearing on March 25.
