A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed a ₦120 million fundamental-rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against Nigeria’s security and anti-corruption agencies.
The suit was brought against the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
El-Rufai had alleged violations of his fundamental rights, including an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the seizure of his international passport.
Delivering judgment, Justice Sylvanus Orji ruled that the suit lacked merit. The court held that the invitation letters issued by the EFCC and ICPC complied with constitutional requirements and did not violate the former governor’s rights.
The court also awarded ₦200,000 each to the DSS, EFCC and ICPC.
The ruling represents a setback for El-Rufai in his legal challenge against the agencies. It does not, by itself, determine the outcome of any separate proceedings involving the former governor.
