Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a ₦2 billion suit against the Department of State Services (DSS), asking the Federal High Court to quash criminal charges instituted against him.
In an application filed before the court, El-Rufai is challenging the legality and competence of Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, describing it as a gross abuse of court process and a misuse of the criminal justice system. The matter is scheduled to be heard on February 25, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
According to a statement issued by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor is seeking an order striking out the charge in its entirety on the grounds that it is incompetent and discloses no offence known to law. He further argues that no prima facie case has been established against him.
Among the reliefs sought, El-Rufai is requesting:
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An order quashing the charge in full;
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An order discharging him from the case; and
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An award of ₦2 billion in costs against the DSS for what he terms an abuse of power and prosecutorial overreach.
Court documents indicate that the motion is supported by 17 grounds for dismissal. These include allegations of constitutional invalidity, lack of prosecutorial competence, absence of credible evidence, and claims that the charges are politically motivated.
The application also contends that the prosecution violates key constitutional safeguards, including the presumption of innocence, the right against self-incrimination, the requirement that offences be clearly defined in written law, and protections relating to freedom of expression and association.
El-Rufai’s legal team has formally notified the Director-General of the DSS of the application and provided details of his counsel in compliance with procedural rules.
The Federal High Court is expected to hear arguments from both parties on February 25. The ruling could determine whether the charges proceed to trial or are struck out at this preliminary stage, setting the tone for what may become a closely watched legal battle.
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