El-Rufai Challenges DSS Charges in Federal High Court

On February 16, 2026, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai filed a motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). The matter is set to be heard on February 25, 2026.

El-Rufai's legal team, led by Joyce Abdulmalik, seeks an order to strike out the charges, arguing that there is no offense known to law and that the case lacks a prima facie basis, constituting a gross abuse of court process. The motion lists 17 grounds for dismissal, including allegations of constitutional invalidity, failure to disclose a prima facie case, and claims of political persecution.

El-Rufai also requests the court to award him N2 billion in damages, accusing the DSS of misusing the criminal justice system to harass and embarrass him publicly. He asserts that the prosecution violates his fundamental rights as outlined in the 1999 Constitution, including the presumption of innocence and the right against self-incrimination.