El-Rufai Takes Legal Action Against DSS Over Charges
Former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a significant application at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to quash charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). In a bold move, El-Rufai is also demanding ₦2 billion in damages, alleging an abuse of the criminal justice system. The case is scheduled for hearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on 25 February 2026, and it has already garnered widespread attention due to its high-profile nature.
Details of the Court Application
The application, filed in response to Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, argues that the charges are incompetent and fail to disclose any offence recognised by law. El-Rufai's legal team, led by his media adviser Muyiwa Adekeye, contends that the prosecution lacks prima facie evidence and constitutes a gross abuse of court process. They have requested the court to strike out the charge dated 16 February 2026 and discharge El-Rufai entirely, asserting that no valid case has been established against him.
Grounds for the Motion and Damages Claim
El-Rufai's motion is anchored on 17 legal and constitutional grounds, including claims of constitutional invalidity, lack of prosecutorial competence, and political persecution. The application highlights alleged breaches of fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution, such as the presumption of innocence, the right against self-incrimination, and freedoms of expression and association. Beyond seeking dismissal, El-Rufai has urged the court to award ₦2,000,000,000 in costs against the DSS, describing the prosecution as an egregious and reckless misuse of the justice system intended to harass and victimise him publicly.
Notification and Broader Context
The motion was formally filed on 17 February 2026, with the DSS Director-General notified on 18 February. This legal action comes amid reports that El-Rufai has been held in detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC) without bail for eight days, following his voluntary reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16 February. The case is expected to draw significant public and media scrutiny as it progresses, reflecting ongoing tensions in Nigeria's political and legal landscape.
