El-Rufai Files N1bn Suit Against ICPC Over Abuja Home Search

Nasir El-Rufai has filed a suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that operatives unlawfully searched his residence in Abuja.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to nullify a search warrant issued on February 4 by a chief magistrate in the Federal Capital Territory. The warrant authorised ICPC officials to conduct a search and seize items from the residence.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18 in connection with ongoing investigations. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said agents of the anti-corruption commission carried out the search at the property on February 19.

In the suit, the former Kaduna governor joined the chief magistrate who issued the warrant, the inspector-general of police, and the attorney-general of the federation as respondents.

Through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu, El-Rufai argues that the search and seizure violated his constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing and privacy under sections 34, 35, 36 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

He is asking the court to declare the warrant invalid and to rule that any material obtained during the operation is inadmissible in future proceedings. He also seeks an order restraining the respondents from relying on the seized items in any investigation or prosecution.

In addition, El-Rufai wants the ICPC and the inspector-general of police directed to return all property taken from his home, along with a detailed inventory.

The suit demands N1 billion in general, exemplary and aggravated damages for alleged trespass, unlawful seizure, psychological distress and reputational harm. The claim includes N300 million as compensatory damages for emotional distress, N400 million as exemplary damages, and N300 million as aggravated damages. He is also seeking N100 million as the cost of filing the action, including legal fees.

Alleged defects in warrant

Iyamu argued that the search warrant failed to meet legal standards under sections 143 to 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. He said the warrant lacked specificity, contained drafting errors and did not establish probable cause.

According to the filing, the warrant referred broadly to “the thing aforesaid” without clearly identifying items to be seized. It also allegedly contained errors in the address, date and district designation, and was addressed to “all officers,” which the applicant described as overly broad.

An affidavit sworn by Mohammed Shaba, identified as a principal secretary to El-Rufai, stated that ICPC and police operatives arrived at the residence around 2 pm on February 19. Shaba alleged that officers did not submit to search before commencing the operation and seized documents and electronic devices.

He further stated that the items have not been returned and that the authorities continue to rely on materials obtained during the search.

The application, according to the affidavit, was filed to enforce the applicant’s constitutional rights.