Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a N1 billion suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over an alleged unlawful raid on his Abuja home.
The fundamental rights enforcement action challenges the legality of a search conducted at his residence on Aso Drive.
El-Rufai, through his counsel led by Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), is contesting a search warrant issued on February 4 by a Chief Magistrate in the Federal Capital Territory.
The suit names the ICPC as the first respondent.
Also listed are the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate’s Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In his application, the former governor is seeking seven reliefs from the court.
He wants the search warrant declared invalid, null and void.
El-Rufai argues that the warrant lacked specificity and contained material drafting errors.
He further claims it was overbroad and unsupported by probable cause.
According to him, the execution of the warrant on February 19 violated his constitutional rights.
He cited alleged breaches of his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
The applicant is asking the court to rule that any evidence obtained during the search is inadmissible.
He also seeks an order restraining authorities from relying on items seized from his residence.
El-Rufai is demanding the immediate return of all confiscated materials, including documents and electronic devices.
The former governor is requesting N1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages.
He broke down the claim into ₦300 million as compensatory damages for emotional distress.
Another N400 million is sought as exemplary damages to deter future misconduct.
He is also claiming N300 million as aggravated damages for what he described as oppressive actions.
Additionally, he is seeking N100 million to cover legal costs and associated expenses.
His legal team argued that the warrant contravened provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
They also cited alleged violations of the ICPC Act and constitutional safeguards.
In a supporting affidavit, a principal aide stated that officers failed to specify items sought during the search.
The aide claimed the operation caused humiliation and psychological trauma.
The matter is now before the court for determination.
