Federal Capital Territory High Court wey dey Maitama, Abuja, don throw out the ₦120 million fundamental rights suit wey former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai file against four federal agencies. Justice Sylvanus Oriji give the judgment, and e tok say El-Rufai no show say anybody violate im rights.
The court find the suit lacking in merit and substance. After the ruling, Justice Oriji order El-Rufai make e pay ₦200,000 as costs to each of the four respondents. The respondents na Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and Attorney-General of the Federation. The cost award come to ₦800,000 in total.
The matter center on invitation letters wey Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission send El-Rufai, asking am to appear for questioning over allegations against him. Justice Oriji hold say the invitations no infringe any of im constitutional rights. On the attempt to arrest am for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for Abuja, the court reject El-Rufai argument say the incident amount to rights violation.
The judge also dismiss im objection to the seizure of im international passport. Court find say Department of State Services act within lawful powers, and El-Rufai no produce enough evidence to show say the seizure be continuous, permanent, or without legal basis. Justice Oriji also uphold Department of State Services position say the agency get authority wey law give am to put persons of interest on watchlist and take further action, including arrest, where law permit.
In one pointed finding, the judge rule say El-Rufai no fit use litigation as tool to stop law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies from doing the functions wey statute assign to dem. The suit originally challenge several actions by the security and anti-corruption bodies against the former governor, including the alleged airport arrest attempt and the withholding of im travel document.
