El-Rufai Files N1bn Suit Against ICPC Over Home Search

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has initiated a N1 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following an alleged unlawful search of his residence in Abuja. The lawsuit was filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, where El-Rufai seeks a declaration that the search warrant used to enter his home was invalid.

He argues that the warrant is null and void due to its lack of specificity, drafting errors, ambiguity, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause. The search, which occurred on February 19, involved ICPC officials and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force at No. 12 Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja.

El-Rufai contends that the operation violated his constitutional rights, including dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy. He is requesting the court to declare any evidence obtained during the search inadmissible and to order the return of seized items.

His claim includes N300 million for psychological trauma and emotional distress, N400 million for exemplary damages, and N100 million for legal expenses.