A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s N120 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 the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Justice Sylvan-us Oriji dismissed the suit on Monday, ruling that it lacked merit, and awarded N200,000 in costs to each of the four respondents, to be paid by El-Rufai.
The court held that the invitation letters issued to El-Rufai by the EFCC and the ICPC for questioning met constitutional requirements and did not violate his fundamental rights.
Oriji said both agencies acted within their statutory mandates by inviting the former governor to assist with investigations into allegations against him.
On the attempted arrest of El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the judge upheld the DSS’s position that it had the statutory authority to maintain a watchlist and arrest persons of interest.
He rejected El-Rufai’s argument that the attempted arrest was unlawful because the DSS lacked a warrant, ruling that the agency possessed relevant powers under the laws establishing the State Security Service and the National Security Agencies Act.
The judge also held that El-Rufai could not use the courts to prevent security and anti-corruption agencies from carrying out their statutory duties.
Also Read: ICPC, AGF seek dismissal of El-Rufai’s N1bn rights suit
On the seizure of his international passport, Oriji said the court was satisfied that the DSS acted within its powers.
He added that El-Rufai had failed to provide evidence establishing that the seizure was continuous, permanent and unlawful.
The former governor had approached the court, alleging that his fundamental rights were violated through actions involving the security and anti-corruption agencies.
The suit arose partly from allegations surrounding the interception of telephone conversations. El-Rufai is also facing a five-count amended charge filed by the DSS over the allegations.
In February 2026, during an interview on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, El-Rufai said “someone wiretapped” the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, enabling him to hear Ribadu instructing security operatives to arrest him.
Monday’s ruling adds to the legal proceedings involving El-Rufai and the security and anti-corruption agencies.
Crediblenewsng.com
