Police Chief Moves to Quash El-Rufai's N1 Billion Rights Claim
The Inspector General of Police of Nigeria has formally petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit filed by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, which seeks N1 billion in damages. The police leadership has characterized the legal action as a deliberate attempt to obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation.
Legal Battle Over Asokoro Residence Search
The lawsuit originates from a recent law enforcement operation at El-Rufai's residence in the Asokoro district of Abuja. The former governor alleges that the search violated his constitutional rights and was executed with an invalid court warrant. He further contests the legality of items reportedly seized during the operation.
In a detailed counter-affidavit submitted to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the Inspector General of Police has robustly defended the search operation. Police authorities maintain that officers acted strictly within legal parameters, operating under a valid warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction and following all prescribed procedures during execution.
The filing emphasizes that the Nigeria Police Force possesses statutory authority to detect crimes, investigate suspects, and prosecute offenses where evidence warrants such action.Police Accuse El-Rufai of Obstructing Justice
The police chief's legal submission goes beyond procedural defense, directly accusing El-Rufai of utilizing the court action as a shield against legitimate investigation and potential prosecution. According to police arguments, granting the reliefs sought by the former governor would constitute improper judicial interference with lawful investigative duties.
The police position asserts that El-Rufai's lawsuit lacks substantive merit and represents a strategic maneuver to frustrate the investigative process rather than address genuine rights violations.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
During Thursday's hearing before Justice Abdulmalik, El-Rufai's counsel, Ubong Akpan, informed the court that he had not yet responded to the police counter-affidavit, having only filed replies to submissions from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Legal representatives for both the ICPC and the Inspector General of Police did not oppose a request for adjournment. Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik scheduled March 25 for the continuation of hearings and ordered that hearing notices be served on the Chief Magistrate of the Federal Capital Territory and the Attorney-General of the Federation, both named as respondents but absent from the proceedings.
The case remains pending before the Federal High Court, with all parties expected to present comprehensive arguments at the next hearing date. The court will subsequently determine whether El-Rufai's rights enforcement claim should proceed to trial or be dismissed as requested by police authorities.
