El-Rufai Loses Rights Suit, To Pay N800,000 Costs To DSS, Others

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed a N120 million fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Department of State Services (DSS) and three other respondents over alleged rights violations.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji dismissed the suit for lacking merit and substance, holding that the former governor failed to establish that the actions of the agencies violated his fundamental rights.

The court awarded N200,000 in costs to each of the four respondents, including the 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.

In his judgment, Justice Oriji held that the invitation letters issued to El-Rufai by the EFCC and ICPC to appear for questioning over allegations against him did not infringe on his constitutional rights.

The judge also upheld the DSS’s position that it had the statutory authority to place persons of interest on its watchlist and take appropriate action, including arrest where legally justified.

On the attempted arrest of El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the court rejected his argument that the action violated his fundamental rights.

Justice Oriji also dismissed his objection to the seizure of his international passport, ruling that the action was lawful under the powers of the DSS.

The court held that El-Rufai had failed to provide sufficient evidence that the seizure was continuous, permanent and unlawful.

Justice Oriji further ruled that the former governor could not use the court to prevent law enforcement agencies from carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

The suit arose from El-Rufai’s challenge to actions taken by the security and anti-corruption agencies, including an alleged attempt to arrest him and the seizure of his passport.

The judgment dismissed the entire suit, with the court ordering El-Rufai to pay a total of N800,000 in costs to the four respondents.