El-Rufai Withdraws N1bn Suit Against Abuja Magistrate

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has withdrawn his N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against Magistrate Ongo at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The withdrawal occurred on Tuesday, as El-Rufai's counsel, Ugochukwu Nnakwu, informed the court of a fresh application to remove the magistrate's name from the case.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application, striking the magistrate's name from the suit. El-Rufai's legal team had previously identified the magistrate as the second defendant in the case.

The suit arose from a search operation conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at El-Rufai's Abuja residence, which he claims violated his fundamental rights, including dignity, privacy, and personal liberty. El-Rufai seeks a declaration that the search was unlawful and an order for the return of items allegedly taken.

The ICPC maintains that the search was valid, conducted under a legal warrant, and part of an ongoing investigation. The case is adjourned to June 17 for El-Rufai to amend his suit.