The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has dismissed a ₦120 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against the Department of State Services (DSS) and three other government bodies.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji dismissed the suit on Monday, 19 October 2026, ruling that it lacked merit. The court also ordered El-Rufai to pay ₦200,000 each to the four respondents as legal costs, bringing the total to ₦800,000.
The respondents in the case were the 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.
In his judgment, Justice Oriji held that the invitation letters issued to El-Rufai by the EFCC and ICPC for questioning over allegations against him did not violate his fundamental rights.
The court also considered his complaint over an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. El-Rufai had argued that the action was unlawful because there was no arrest warrant.
However, the judge upheld the DSS’s position that it had statutory powers to maintain a watchlist and take lawful action against persons of interest. The court further stated that El-Rufai could not use legal proceedings to prevent law enforcement agencies from carrying out their legitimate responsibilities.
On the seizure of his international passport, the court ruled that the action fell within the DSS’s powers. It also held that El-Rufai had not provided sufficient evidence to establish that the seizure was continuous, permanent and unlawful.
The former governor had approached the court seeking ₦120 million in damages over alleged violations of his fundamental rights arising from the actions of the security and anti-corruption agencies.
The dismissal means that his claims in the suit were unsuccessful, while the court’s cost order requires him to pay a total of ₦800,000 to the four respondents.
