The Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, has urged the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja to dismiss the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai is seeking ₦1 billion in damages against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the FCT Magistrate Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Federal Ministry of Justice (Nigeria), represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The former governor filed the case to challenge a search carried out by security operatives at his residence in the Asokoro area of Abuja.
El-Rufai argued that the operation violated his fundamental rights and is demanding compensation from the respondents. Reports indicate that some items were recovered during the search.
However, in a counter-affidavit submitted to the court, the police defended the operation, maintaining that it was conducted legally.
The IGP also alleged that the lawsuit is an attempt by the former governor to obstruct an ongoing investigation and potential prosecution.
According to the affidavit, the police have the statutory authority to detect, arrest, investigate, and prosecute criminal offences.
The police further stated that the search was conducted with a valid warrant issued by a competent court.
It also rejected El-Rufai’s claim that the warrant used for the search was invalid, insisting that it was lawfully obtained and properly executed by officers who followed due legal procedures.
During Thursday’s hearing, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, told the court that he had not yet responded to the counter-affidavit filed by the police, although a reply had already been submitted to that of the ICPC.
Counsel to the ICPC, Abdulsufianu Abubakar, and the police lawyer, Ezekiel Rimamsomte, did not oppose the request for additional time.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until March 25 for hearing.
The judge also directed that hearing notices be issued and served on the second respondent, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate Court, and the fourth respondent, the Attorney-General of the Federation, who were absent during the proceedings.