POLITICS
El-Rufai Slams N1bn Suit against ICPC over Abuja Home Raid
By David Torough, Abuja
A former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the alleged unlawful invasion and search of his Abuja residence.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on February 20 by his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), El-Rufai is challenging the validity of a search warrant issued on February 4 by a Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrates’ Court.
He is asking the court to declare the warrant authorising the search and seizure at his residence invalid, null and void.
According to the application, the former governor contended that the warrant was “null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search in violation of Section 37 of the Constitution.”
El-Rufai listed the ICPC as the first respondent, while the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrates’ Court, Abuja Magisterial District, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation were named as second to fourth respondents, respectively.
He is seeking seven reliefs, including a declaration that the invasion and search of his residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, on February 19 at about 2 p.m., allegedly carried out by operatives of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force under the disputed warrant, violated his fundamental rights.
Specifically, he asked the court to declare that the search “amounts to a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy under Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the Constitution.”
He further urged the court to declare that “any evidence obtained pursuant to the aforesaid invalid warrant and unlawful search is inadmissible in any proceedings against the applicant, as it was procured in breach of constitutional safeguards.”
Among other prayers, El-Rufai is seeking an order restraining the respondents from relying on or tendering any items seized during the search in any investigation or prosecution involving him.
He also asked for “an order directing the 1st and 3rd respondents (ICPC and I-G) to forthwith return all items seized from the applicant’s premises during the unlawful search, together with a detailed inventory thereof.”
In addition, he is demanding “the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) as general, exemplary, and aggravated damages against the respondents jointly and severally for the violations of the applicant’s fundamental rights, including trespass, unlawful seizure, and the resultant psychological trauma, humiliation, distress, infringement of privacy, and reputational harm.”
The former governor broke down the N1 billion claim into N300 million as compensatory damages for psychological trauma and emotional distress; N400 million as exemplary damages to deter future misconduct by law enforcement agencies; and N300 million as aggravated damages for what he described as the malicious and oppressive nature of the respondents’ actions.
He also sought N100 million as the cost of filing the suit, covering legal fees and associated expenses.
In his grounds of argument, Iyamu maintained that the warrant was fundamentally defective, citing lack of specificity in the description of items to be seized, material typographical errors, ambiguous execution terms, overbroad directives and absence of verifiable probable cause.
He argued that the alleged defects contravened Sections 143 to 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015; Section 36 of the ICPC Act, 2000; and constitutional protections against arbitrary intrusion.
According to him, “Section 143 of the ACJA requires that an application for a search warrant be supported by information in writing and on oath, setting forth reasonable grounds for suspicion,” which he said was absent in the present case.
He added that Section 144 mandates specific descriptions of the place to be searched and the items sought to prevent general warrants, but the warrant in question vaguely referred to “the thing aforesaid” without detail.
He further submitted that “Section 146 stipulates that the warrant must be in the prescribed form, free from defects that could mislead, but the document is riddled with errors in the address, date, and district designation.
“Section 147 allows direction to specified persons, but the warrant’s indiscriminate addressing to ‘all officers’ is overbroad and unaccountable.
“Section 148 permits execution at reasonable times, but the contradictory language creates ambiguity, undermining procedural clarity.”
Iyamu argued that the execution of the warrant on February 19 resulted in an unlawful invasion of his client’s premises and violated his constitutional rights.
He cited decided cases, including C.O.P. v. Omoh (1969) NCLR 137 and Fawehinmi v. IGP (2000) 7 NWLR (Pt. 665) 481, to support his position that evidence obtained through improper means is inadmissible.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Mohammed Shaba, a Principal Secretary to the former governor, deposed that officers of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force stormed the residence on February 19 under what he described as a defective warrant issued on or about February 4.
He averred that the “search warrant did not specify the properties or items being searched for,” and alleged that the officers failed to comply with procedural requirements before conducting the search.
Shaba further stated that during the operation, officers allegedly seized personal documents and electronic devices, causing “undue humiliation, psychological trauma, and distress.”
He added that none of the seized items had been returned and that the application was filed in good faith to enforce the applicant’s constitutional rights.
As debates over Nigeria’s political future intensify, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has weighed in on issues ranging from party loyalty and national development to generational leadership and presidential ambition.
In this wide-ranging interview, Sowunmi addresses questions about his continued membership of the PDP, his civic platform, The Alternative, and his approach to constructive political engagement across party lines.
Significantly, Sowunmi highlights Prince Adewole Adebayo as one of the emerging figures Nigerians should seriously consider in conversations about generational renewal. While acknowledging the structural realities of Nigeria’s political landscape, he argues that the country must deliberately create space for credible, prepared and ideologically driven leaders capable of shaping its next chapter. Excerpts:
You are still in PDP, you run the Alternative platform, and yet you openly acknowledge some of President Tinubu’s policies. Some say you are confused or using the platform as a bargaining chip. Are you still in PDP?
It is unfortunate what is happening within the PDP, but political parties go through phases. For those of us who remain, we must be realistic and responsible.
Acknowledging good policies is not the same as defecting or endorsing a government wholesale. If the government embarks on projects like the coastal road or the Sokoto–Badagry road, should we pretend not to see their long-term implications? Such infrastructure benefits future generations.
If local government autonomy is strengthened, if conversations about state police become serious, if subsidy removal blocks leakages and ensures fuel availability—should we not objectively assess those policies? Politics should not blind us to national interest.
I am not confused. I believe in constructive engagement—criticising when necessary and acknowledging progress when it occurs. Democracy must move beyond mere change of faces every four years; it must produce real development.
I created The Alternative so we can begin to think differently. We cannot keep saying everything is bad and offer no hope. Let us look for the best among us—not only for the presidency, but for councillors, legislators, governors and all positions of responsibility.
Some allege that the Alternative Platform was created as a bargaining chip.
The Alternative is not a bargaining chip; it is a reorientation platform. It is meant to encourage Nigerians to participate actively in politics and to vote responsibly.
If you do not vote, you have voted against all of us. I want citizens to scrutinise candidates carefully and stop recycling the same political actors without accountability.
Criticise your leaders, yes—but do not hate your country. We must stop waking up daily to curse Nigeria. The platform is about hope, responsibility, and ensuring that the best among us lead the rest of us.
With many heavyweights leaving the PDP, why are you still in the party?
Democracy requires viable alternatives. If opposition collapses into one dominant party, democracy suffers.
Defections do not erase grassroots support. The PDP still has structure and roots. Political power is not eternal; those ruling today will not rule forever. Our duty is to articulate alternatives, criticise where necessary, praise where appropriate, and build consensus for national progress.
You were close to Atiku Abubakar, but he has moved on politically. Have you parted ways?
I supported and campaigned for him, but I am not someone who moves from party to party. Stability matters to me.
Politics should also respect principles like rotation and generational renewal. In a diverse country like Nigeria, leadership cannot always revolve around one individual’s ambition.
What would you say about your friend Adebayo contesting the presidency?
People like Adebayo fit into the category of giving younger leaders a chance. He represents a new generation that is intellectually prepared and ideologically driven.
However, Nigeria is a multi-religious and multicultural country. Issues such as rotation and regional balance must always be considered. We must be sensitive to those realities.
Does Adebayo stand a real chance?
Electoral success depends on party structure, national spread and political organisation. Running on a smaller platform presents challenges.
But the larger issue is this: Nigeria must create room for credible alternatives. Prepared minds should not be ignored. If Nigerians truly want renewal, they must be willing to support capable new-generation leaders when they emerge.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, says President Bola Tinubu needs a second term to complete ongoing reforms and stabilize Nigeria’s economy.
Oyetola, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, said continuity was crucial at this stage of national development.
In a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola said the President required more time to further deliver democratic dividends.
Recall that on Feb. 14, 2026, Oyetola led the Osun APC to endorse Tinubu at a reception in Osogbo.
According to him, the endorsement followed a careful assessment of the administration’s performance and reform agenda.
“Continuity is crucial at this stage of Nigeria’s development.
“A second term will enable the President to consolidate ongoing reforms, complete major infrastructure projects and fully stabilise the economy.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated courage, capacity and commitment to reposition Nigeria.
“What he needs now is time to complete the good job he has started,” Oyetola said.
He said Tinubu took difficult but necessary decisions at the beginning of his tenure to rescue the economy.
“President Tinubu took courageous and necessary decisions at the outset of his administration to rescue Nigeria’s economy from the brink of collapse.
“These bold fiscal and monetary reforms were not easy, but they were inevitable to stabilise the system and restore confidence.
“Today, we are witnessing improved revenue generation, greater transparency in public finance and renewed investor confidence in our economy,” he said.
Oyetola noted that infrastructure development remained central to the administration’s strategy.
“The President has prioritised massive investments in roads, rail, ports and energy infrastructure across the country.
“These strategic projects are expanding economic opportunities, enhancing connectivity and stimulating job creation nationwide.
“They are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and long-term national development,” he said.
The minister also commended the President’s social welfare initiatives.
“While pursuing reforms, the administration has not lost sight of the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“Through targeted intervention programmes, student loan initiatives and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the government is cushioning reform impacts.
“This demonstrates that the President is not only reform-minded but also compassionate and people-focused,” he said.
Oyetola added that security coordination had improved under Tinubu’s leadership.
He said increased support for law enforcement was strengthening national stability.
The minister assured that APC members in Osun were fully aligned behind Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Oyetola also expressed confidence that the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, would win the Aug. 15 election in the state.
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has urged members and the general public to disregard the fake list of new executives of the party at Ward and local government level in circulation.
APC in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, on Saturday in Ibadan, described the list containing different names of purported new excos members as fake.
Sadare said that the list was being circulated by some mischievous elements to cause disaffection and frustrate the overall interest of the stakeholders and genuine supporters of the APC.
It would be recalled that members of the party in the state participated in the nationwide Ward and LGA congresses held on Feb.
18 and Feb. 21 respectively.At the congresses, new set of officials, expected to manage the affairs of the party at the grassroots level for the next four years, were elected.
According to Sadare, the party is preparing to hold its state congress on Tuesday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
He urged members and supporters of the party to grace the occasion “as all arrangements have been put in place to make it a huge success.
“We have been inundated with reports of some fake documents being circulated on social media platforms as the lists of the newly elected executive committee members for some Wards and Local Government Areas in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we stand by the outcome of the congresses as successfully done across the 351 Wards and 33 LGAs in the state.
“The consensus arrangement which was prescribed by the national leadership was employed and this gave us the desired results.
“Therefore, nobody should entertain any fear regarding the status of those who emerged as Ward and Local Government Area executive committee members at the concluded congresses.
“Their inauguration will be done as soon as the new State Executive Committee is put in place.
“Also, a new state Exco will emerge on Tuesday through consensus and each of the 33 LGA will have the opportunity to send their choice candidates as representatives.
Sadare urged members and supporters of the party not to worry about the alleged fake list in circulation, stressing “the party is waxing stronger everyday.”
He urged party members and supporters not to entertain fear “as there would be no room for distractions or sabotage from any quarters.
“There is no doubting the fact that APC is the only serious political party in the country, particularly in Oyo state.
“And as democrats, we will always act to sustain constitutional democracy and the rule of law.” he stated.
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