A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has dismissed a ₦120 million 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.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji, who delivered the judgment on Monday, October 19, 2026, ruled that the suit lacked merit and substance.
The court also ordered El-Rufai to pay ₦200,000 in costs to each of the four respondents.
The former governor had approached the court over alleged violations of his fundamental rights, challenging invitations issued to him by the EFCC and ICPC to appear for investigations into allegations against him.
However, Justice Oriji held that the invitations complied with constitutional requirements and did not infringe on El-Rufai’s rights.
On the attempted arrest of the former governor by DSS operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the judge upheld the agency’s position that it had the statutory authority to maintain a watchlist and arrest persons of interest.
The court rejected El-Rufai’s argument that the attempted arrest was unlawful because it was not supported by a warrant, holding that the DSS possessed relevant arrest powers under its enabling laws.
The judge further ruled that the former governor could not use the court to prevent security and anti-corruption agencies from carrying out their lawful responsibilities.
Regarding the seizure of his international passport, the court found that the DSS acted within its powers. It also held that El-Rufai had failed to provide sufficient evidence that the seizure was continuous, permanent and unlawful.
Consequently, the court dismissed the entire suit and awarded costs to all four respondents.
The ruling represents another legal setback for the former governor, who has been involved in several court proceedings concerning investigations by security and anti-corruption agencies.
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