Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the judiciary to halt what he describes as an unconstitutional investigation process following a recent search of his residence in the capital.
In a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on February 20, 2026, the ex-governor is challenging the legality of a search warrant executed at his Aso Drive home on February 19. The suit, instituted through his lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), names the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrates’ Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
At the heart of El-Rufai’s application is a request for the court to invalidate the search warrant, which he argues was fundamentally flawed. He contends that the document lacked specific details about the items sought, contained drafting errors, and failed to establish probable cause as required by law.
According to the filing, these alleged defects rendered the search unconstitutional and in breach of Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantee dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
Beyond questioning the warrant’s validity, El-Rufai is asking the court to bar authorities from relying on any materials recovered during the operation in future investigations or prosecutions involving him. He is also seeking an order compelling the ICPC and the police to return all items taken from his residence, along with a detailed inventory.
The former governor maintains that the search, carried out by operatives of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force, amounted to trespass and caused reputational harm.
In addition to declaratory and injunctive reliefs, El-Rufai is demanding ₦1 billion in damages. The claim is broken down into:
₦300 million for alleged emotional and psychological trauma
₦400 million as exemplary damages to deter future misconduct
₦300 million as aggravated damages for what he describes as oppressive conduct.
He is also seeking ₦100 million to cover legal costs.
The application argues that the warrant contravened provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and the ICPC Act 2000, particularly sections dealing with sworn information, specificity in search descriptions, and proper execution procedures.
Citing past judicial authorities, including C.O.P. v. Omoh and Fawehinmi v. IGP, his counsel contends that evidence obtained through an improperly issued warrant should be deemed inadmissible.
The case now places the spotlight on judicial oversight of investigative powers and the procedural standards governing search warrants. The court is expected to determine whether the contested warrant meets constitutional and statutory thresholds — and whether any rights violations occurred during the operation.
No date has yet been announced for the hearing of the matter.