The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has dismissed a ₦120 million fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against four federal agencies. Justice Sylvanus Oriji ruled that the suit lacked merit, as the actions of the agencies did not violate the former governor's constitutional rights.
Court Orders El-Rufai to Pay ₦800,000 in Costs
In the judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Oriji ordered El-Rufai to pay ₦200,000 in costs to each of the four respondents: the Department of State Services (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. This brings the total cost award to ₦800,000.
Invitation Letters and Airport Incident Not Rights Violations
The suit centered on invitation letters from the EFCC and ICPC summoning El-Rufai for questioning over allegations made against him. Justice Oriji held that these invitations did not infringe on any of the former governor's constitutional rights. The court also rejected El-Rufai's argument that an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja amounted to a rights violation.
On the seizure of his international passport, the judge dismissed the objection, finding that the DSS acted within its lawful powers. The court noted that El-Rufai had not produced enough evidence to show the seizure was continuous, permanent, or without legal basis.
Court Upholds DSS Authority to Place Persons on Watchlist
Justice Oriji also upheld the DSS's position that it has the statutory authority to place persons of interest on a watchlist and take further action, including arrest, where the law permits. The judge ruled that El-Rufai could not use litigation as a tool to stop law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies from performing their statutory functions.
The suit had been filed to challenge several actions taken by the security and anti-corruption bodies against the former governor, including the alleged airport arrest attempt and the withholding of his travel document. The court's decision affirms the agencies' powers in carrying out their duties.
