Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a suit in the Federal High Court challenging the charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing them as an abuse of the judicial process.
Through his legal team, El-Rufai asked the court to strike out Charge Number FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, arguing that it is incompetent, lacks legal basis, and constitutes a misuse of the court system.
The motion also requested the court to discharge him on the grounds that no prima facie case exists and to award N2 billion in costs against the DSS.
According to his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, the motion cites 17 grounds for dismissal, including constitutional breaches, lack of prosecutorial competence, insufficient evidence, and political persecution.
The filing asserted that the prosecution violates fundamental rights such as the presumption of innocence, protection against self-incrimination, and freedoms of expression and association.
The court is set to hear arguments from both parties on February 25, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The outcome of this hearing would determine whether the charges proceed to trial or are struck out at this preliminary stage.
El-Rufai’s legal team has formally notified the DSS Director-General of the motion, providing details of the counsel representing the former governor.
Observers noted that the case could set a precedent regarding how alleged abuses of process are addressed in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
