Court dismisses El-Rufai rights suit, orders costs

The Federal Capital Territory High Court dismissed Nasir El-Rufai’s fundamental-rights suit against the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, and ordered him to pay each respondent ₦200,000 in costs. Justice Sylvanus Oriji ruled on Monday, October 19, 2026, that the suit lacked merit. The case sought ₦120 million in damages, according to reports of the proceedings. In explaining the decision, Oriji held that invitation letters sent to El-Rufai by the EFCC and ICPC met constitutional requirements and did not infringe his rights. The letters asked him to appear for investigation over allegations against him, the court said. The judge also rejected El-Rufai’s argument that an attempted arrest by the DSS at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja violated his rights because it was not supported by a warrant. Oriji held that the DSS had authority to maintain a watchlist and arrest persons of interest, and that El-Rufai could not use the court to prevent agencies from carrying out their duties. On the seizure of El-Rufai’s...