Court Dismisses El-Rufai Suit

The High Court in Abuja has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s ₦120 million fundamental rights suit 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 other respondents.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji dismissed the suit for lacking merit and substance. He also ordered El-Rufai to pay ₦200,000 in costs to each respondent.

The case involved allegations of rights violations linked to investigation invitations issued by the national agencies, an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the seizure of El-Rufai’s passport.

In his judgment, Justice Oriji held that the EFCC and ICPC had met constitutional requirements by inviting the former governor to answer questions about allegations against him.

The judge also upheld the DSS’s position that it had the legal authority to place persons of interest on its watchlist and arrest them when necessary. He rejected El-Rufai’s argument that the attempted arrest violated his fundamental rights because there was no warrant. The court ruled that the DSS had powers to carry out such actions under the legal framework governing its operations.

On the seizure of El-Rufai’s passport, Justice Oriji held that the action was lawful and within the DSS’s powers. The court said El-Rufai had failed to provide evidence that the seizure was ongoing, permanent or unlawful.

Justice Oriji further held that the former governor could not use the court to prevent the security and anti-corruption agencies from carrying out their lawful duties.