The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has called on Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to dismiss a ₦1 billion rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai is seeking compensation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Chief Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the IGP, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The suit challenges a recent search of his Asokoro residence in Abuja, during which certain items were reportedly recovered.
In a counter-affidavit, the IGP defended the search, asserting that it was conducted under a valid court-issued warrant and in full compliance with legal procedures. He also accused El-Rufai of attempting to use the lawsuit as a shield against investigation and potential prosecution, highlighting the police’s statutory powers to detect, arrest, investigate, and prosecute offenders.
During Thursday’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, noted that he had not yet responded to the IGP’s counter-affidavit, though he had replied to ICPC’s submission.
With no objections from the ICPC and IGP counsel, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to March 25 for hearing. She also directed that hearing notices be served on the second respondent, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT, and the fourth respondent, the AGF, who were absent in court.
