Court Questions El-Rufai's N1bn Suit Against ICPC

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja raised concerns regarding the N1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and others. The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, expressed dissatisfaction with the service of court processes, noting that the magistrate involved had not been served.

El-Rufai's counsel, Ugochukwu Nnakwu, acknowledged the need to address the identified gaps and requested an adjournment, which was initially opposed by ICPC's counsel, Isaac Akwo. However, the court ultimately adjourned the case to March 31 to allow for proper service of notice to the magistrate.

El-Rufai's suit, filed on February 20, seeks N1 billion in damages, alleging unlawful invasion of his residence by the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force on February 19, which he claims violated his constitutional rights. The ICPC countered that their actions were based on a valid warrant and followed due process.