Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and three other officials, accusing them of unlawfully searching his Abuja residence. The case was filed on February 20, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, El-Rufai named the ICPC as the first respondent. Others listed are the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate’s Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to court documents, the alleged incident took place on February 19, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m. El-Rufai said ICPC operatives, supported by police officers, entered and searched his home at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja.
His lawyers, led by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, argued that the search was based on a defective warrant issued on February 4, 2026, by the Chief Magistrate. They claimed the warrant failed to describe the items to be seized and contained material errors relating to the address, date, and district.
The suit also alleged that the warrant was vague, too broad, and issued without probable cause. El-Rufai’s legal team said these flaws breached the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the ICPC Act 2000, and several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including the rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
El-Rufai further claimed that officers seized personal documents and electronic devices during the operation. He said no inventory was given and none of the items has been returned.
He is asking the court to declare the search unlawful and the warrant invalid. He also seeks an order for the return of all seized items, an injunction barring the use of any evidence obtained, and ₦1 billion in damages. He claimed the incident caused humiliation, emotional distress, and reputational harm.
