The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has dismissed a N120m fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other federal authorities.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji dismissed the suit on Monday, ruling that it lacked merit and substance.
The court also ordered El-Rufai to pay N200,000 in costs to each of the four respondents, bringing the total to N800,000.
The judge held that invitation letters issued to El-Rufai by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for investigations did not violate his fundamental rights.
On the alleged attempt by the DSS to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the court upheld the agency’s position that it had statutory powers to maintain watchlists and arrest persons of interest.
Justice Oriji also rejected El-Rufai’s argument that the attempted arrest was unlawful because there was no warrant, holding that the DSS had powers under its governing legal framework to carry out its functions.
The court further ruled that the seizure of El-Rufai’s international passport by the DSS was lawful, saying he had failed to provide sufficient evidence that the seizure was continuing, permanent or unlawful.
It also held that El-Rufai could not use the court to prevent security and anti-corruption agencies from performing their statutory duties.
The suit named the DSS, EFCC, ICPC and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents. El-Rufai had sought N120m in connection with alleged violations of his fundamental rights.
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