El-Rufai Escalates Legal Fight with Fresh Court Application to Protect Assets
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has initiated a new legal maneuver by filing a fresh suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The application, submitted on 24 February 2026 through his lawyer Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), seeks to restrain key anti-corruption and security agencies from freezing his bank accounts or seizing his assets. This move comes amid ongoing investigations and multiple legal entanglements involving the ex-governor, highlighting a significant escalation in his defense strategy.
Details of the Court Filing and Demands
In the suit, El-Rufai has requested an interim injunction to direct the respondents to maintain the status quo until the substantive matter is resolved. The respondents listed include the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the State Security Service (SSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). El-Rufai argues that his severance pay, received after his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, was lawfully acquired under the Pension and Gratuity (Governor and Deputy Governor) Law of Kaduna State and guidelines from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
He is seeking declarations that properties acquired from this severance package are lawful and that any attempt to freeze his accounts or seize assets without credible evidence would violate his fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence and fair hearing as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. Additionally, El-Rufai has asked for a perpetual injunction to prevent the agencies from interfering with his financial and property holdings, along with N1 billion in damages for anticipated rights violations, psychological distress, and reputational harm, plus N100 million for legal costs.
Background of Investigations and Legal Challenges
El-Rufai's legal actions follow a series of high-profile events. He was recently in ICPC custody for about a week after being released by the EFCC, where he spent two nights responding to an invitation over corruption allegations linked to his governorship. During this period, the SSS filed charges accusing him of illegally intercepting a phone call involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Although scheduled for arraignment, the hearing did not proceed as he was not produced in court, leading Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to adjourn the matter to 23 April 2026.
In recent weeks, El-Rufai has mounted multiple legal challenges. He filed an application to quash the phone-tapping charges, labeling them as incompetent and an abuse of court process. He also instituted a separate N1 billion suit against the ICPC over a reported search of his Abuja residence, contesting the validity of a warrant issued by a magistrate in the Federal Capital Territory. Despite these efforts, anti-graft agencies have maintained that their investigations and prosecutions are conducted lawfully and without political bias.
Recent Developments and Denial of Bail
Further complicating the situation, the ICPC has reportedly denied a bail application from El-Rufai's legal team, with the agency not responding to the request. This continued detention has raised concerns among his family and legal representatives. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of the suit involving the DSS and El-Rufai, where the secret police accused him of wiretapping the NSA's telephone conversation. In an interview, El-Rufai claimed he listened to a television conversation and accused the NSA of ordering his arrest, adding another layer to the ongoing legal and political drama.
This fresh court filing underscores the intense legal battle surrounding El-Rufai, as he seeks to protect his assets and reputation while facing serious allegations from Nigeria's top anti-corruption bodies. The outcome of this suit could have significant implications for how severance packages and asset seizures are handled in similar cases involving public officials.
