The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The application was presented before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where the police chief argued that El-Rufai’s lawsuit lacks merit and should not proceed.
El-Rufai is seeking ₦1 billion in damages against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a Chief Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the IGP, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The former governor filed the suit to challenge the recent search of his residence in the Asokoro area of Abuja by law enforcement agents, during which some items were reportedly recovered.
In a counter-affidavit submitted to the court, the IGP defended the operation, maintaining that the search was conducted legally and in accordance with due process. The police leadership also alleged that the suit appears to be an attempt by El-Rufai to shield himself from ongoing investigations and possible prosecution.
The IGP further stated that the Nigeria Police Force is empowered by law to detect crimes, arrest suspects, investigate offences, and prosecute offenders. According to the affidavit, the search of the former governor’s residence was carried out based on a valid warrant issued by a competent court.
Rejecting El-Rufai’s claim that the warrant was invalid, the police insisted that it was lawfully obtained and properly executed by officers who adhered to all established legal procedures.
At Thursday’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan, informed the court that he had not yet filed a response to the counter-affidavit submitted by the IGP, although he had already replied to the one filed by the ICPC.
Following the submission, and without objections from the counsel representing the ICPC and the IGP — Abdulsufianu Abubakar and Ezekiel Rimamsomte — Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until March 25 for hearing.
The court also directed that hearing notices be issued and served on the second respondent, a Chief Magistrate of the FCT, and the fourth respondent, the Attorney-General of the Federation, both of whom were not represented during the proceedings.
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