The Nigeria Police Force, through the office of the Inspector-General of Police, has asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to dismiss the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The suit is being heard by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
El-Rufai is demanding ₦1 billion in compensation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Chief Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation.
The former governor is challenging a recent search carried out by law enforcement agents at his residence in the Asokoro district of Abuja, during which some items were reportedly recovered.
In a counter-affidavit filed before the court, the police defended the action and argued that the search was conducted legally. The IGP maintained that the suit filed by El-Rufai was an attempt to shield himself from investigation and potential prosecution.
According to the police, officers acted based on a search warrant issued by a competent court, insisting that the operation complied with all required legal procedures.
The police leadership also rejected El-Rufai’s argument that the warrant was invalid, stating that it was lawfully obtained and properly executed by officers performing their statutory duties.
At Thursday’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, informed the court that he had not yet filed a response to the counter-affidavit submitted by the Inspector-General of Police, although he had responded to the one filed by the anti-corruption agency.
Counsel representing the ICPC, Abdulsufianu Abubakar, and the police, Ezekiel Rimamsomte, raised no objection to the request for more time.
Following the submissions, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until March 25 for hearing.
The court also directed that hearing notices be issued and served on the second respondent, a Chief Magistrate of the FCT, as well as the fourth respondent, the Attorney-General of the Federation, both of whom were not represented in court during the session.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
His legal challenge follows a search conducted by law enforcement agents at his Abuja residence, which he claims violated his fundamental rights. The police, however, insist the operation was lawful and backed by a valid court warrant.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and investigative agencies over the limits of law enforcement powers and the protection of constitutional rights in Nigeria.
