The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against 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 (AGF)
The case, heard by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, centred on El-Rufai’s legal challenge involving the actions of security and anti-corruption agencies.
The former governor had approached the court seeking legal protection over concerns relating to his fundamental rights and the agencies’ actions against him.
The dismissal marks another legal setback for El-Rufai, who has been involved in several court cases connected to investigations by government agencies.
In a related case, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed his suit seeking to prevent the ICPC and other agencies from freezing his bank accounts or seizing his assets. The judge ruled that the case constituted an abuse of court process because similar matters had been filed before different court.
El-Rufai had argued in the related suit that his severance benefits from his tenure as governor were lawfully received and should not be treated as proceeds of unlawful activity.
The latest ruling adds to the legal challenges facing the former governor as the disputes surrounding the investigations continue.
