Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and several of its officials over what he describes as the “unlawful, violent and unconstitutional” invasion of his Abuja residence.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2026/…, was filed on Thursday, February 13, 2026, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, before Justice James Omotosho. It names the ICPC, its Chairman, and named operatives as respondents.
Core Allegations in the Suit According to court documents seen by DDNewsOnline, El-Rufai is seeking: A declaration that the invasion of his residence on February 12, 2026, without a valid court warrant or lawful invitation violated his rights to personal liberty (Section 35), dignity of the human person (Section 34), freedom of movement (Section 41), and right to own property (Section 44) under the 1999 Constitution.
An order restraining the ICPC and its agents from further invading his residence, seizing his property, or harassing him without due process. ₦1 billion in damages for the alleged violation of his fundamental rights, unlawful trespass, emotional distress, and reputational harm and An order directing the respondents to tender a public apology in at least three national newspapers.
The former governor claims armed ICPC operatives stormed his home in the early hours without a warrant, ransacked the premises, intimidated family members, and attempted to arrest him despite his lawyers having previously notified the commission of his willingness to honour any legitimate invitation on Monday, February 16, 2026.
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El-Rufai’s legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, described the operation as “executive lawlessness” and an abuse of state power aimed at silencing political dissent ahead of 2027.
ICPC Response The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission has yet to issue an official statement on the suit or the alleged invasion. Sources close to the anti-graft agency say the operation was carried out following intelligence and was aimed at executing a lawful warrant details of which they say will be presented in court.
The case is expected to come up for hearing in the coming days, with El-Rufai’s team seeking an expedited hearing and interim injunctions.
The suit adds to the growing list of legal battles involving El-Rufai since his defection from the APC to the SDP and his vocal criticism of the Tinubu administration.
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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