Proceedings at the Federal High Court were on Wednesday stalled once again as the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was adjourned for the third time.
The suit, which challenges the legality of a search conducted at El-Rufai’s residence, has now suffered multiple delays, raising concerns about the pace of proceedings in a case that touches on constitutional rights, law enforcement powers, and alleged abuse of due process.
El-Rufai, through his legal team, is seeking N1 billion in damages against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a Chief Magistrate in the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who are listed as first to fourth respondents respectively in the suit.
When the case was called at about 11 a.m., counsel to the applicant, Ugochukwu Prince Nnakwu, announced his appearance on behalf of El-Rufai. Legal representatives for the respondents were also present in court, including Isaac Akwo for the ICPC, R.N. Maiguru for the Inspector-General of Police, and Chima Chidi Augustine for the Attorney-General of the Federation.
However, the proceedings could not move forward as Akwo informed the court that the lawyer handling the ICPC’s case was currently engaged in another matter at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He therefore appealed to the court to stand the matter down until noon to enable the counsel appear.
The request led to another delay in a case that had already been adjourned twice before — first on March 3 and again on March 11 — thereby marking the third adjournment since the suit was filed.
The fundamental rights suit filed by El-Rufai is centered on what his legal team describes as an unlawful search of his residence, which they argue violated his constitutional rights to privacy, dignity, and protection from unlawful entry. The former governor is asking the court not only to declare the search illegal but also to award N1 billion in damages for the alleged violation of his rights.
Legal observers say the case could become significant in defining the limits of search warrants issued by lower courts and the conduct of law enforcement agencies during investigations involving politically exposed persons.
The repeated adjournments, however, mean that the substantive issues have yet to be argued in court, prolonging legal uncertainty around the matter. Analysts note that fundamental rights cases are typically expected to receive accelerated hearings due to their constitutional importance, making the repeated delays a point of concern for legal practitioners and rights advocates.
As the case continues, attention will remain on how the court interprets the actions of the anti-corruption agency and law enforcement authorities, as well as the extent to which public officials — past and present — can seek redress when they believe their rights have been violated.
The court is expected to fix a new date for hearing, when arguments from all parties will be taken on whether the search of El-Rufai’s residence was lawful and whether he is entitled to the damages he is claiming. Until then, the matter remains unresolved, with both legal and political observers closely watching the proceedings.
