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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has taken a bold legal step against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), demanding ₦1 billion in damages over what he describes as an unlawful invasion of his Abuja home.
In a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on February 20, 2026, El-Rufai is challenging the legitimacy of a search warrant used by operatives to enter and search his residence earlier in the month. The case, lodged through his lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, questions the validity of the warrant issued by a Chief Magistrate in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the filing, El-Rufai argues that the warrant was fundamentally flawed — citing drafting errors, lack of specific details, and absence of probable cause. He contends that the operation amounted to an unconstitutional breach of his right to privacy under Section 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution.
The lawsuit names the ICPC as the primary respondent, alongside the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrates’ Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Beyond asking the court to nullify the warrant, El-Rufai is seeking ₦1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages for alleged trespass, unlawful seizure, emotional distress, reputational harm, and psychological trauma. He is also demanding an additional ₦100 million to cover legal costs.
The high-stakes legal showdown now shifts to the courtroom, where the former governor hopes to turn the tables on the anti-corruption agency.
