Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a N1 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of unlawfully invading his residence in Abuja.
In the suit lodged before the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is asking the court to declare the search warrant used to enter his home invalid, describing it as “null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause”.
He stated that officers from the anti-graft agency and police searched his house at No. 12 Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, on February 19 at about 2 p.m., alleging the action violated his constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.
The former governor is also requesting a ruling that any evidence obtained during the operation be declared inadmissible in any investigation or trial, arguing it was unlawfully gathered. He further seeks an order directing the ICPC and the Inspector-General of Police to return all items seized from his home alongside a detailed inventory.
According to court filings, the N1 billion damages claim comprises N300 million for psychological trauma, emotional distress, and loss of personal security; N400 million as exemplary damages to deter alleged future misconduct by law-enforcement agencies; and N300 million as aggravated damages for what he termed the “malicious, high-handed and oppressive nature” of the raid. He is also demanding N100 million to cover legal expenses.
His lawyer argued that the warrant failed to clearly specify items to be seized and contained errors in the address, date, and district details, rendering the entire search unlawful. He maintained that evidence obtained without a valid warrant is inadmissible.
In a supporting affidavit, a senior aide claimed officers acted without lawful authority, seized personal documents and electronic devices, and caused humiliation and psychological distress.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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