The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned for the third time the fundamental rights suit filed by former Nasir El-Rufai, challenging the search of his residence. The suit seeks N1 billion in damages against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a chief magistrate of the Federal Capital Territory, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

When the case was called, lawyers appeared for the parties: Ugochukwu Prince Nnakwu for El-Rufai, Isaac Akwo for ICPC, R.N. Maiguru for the IGP, and Chima Chidi Augustine for the AGF. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to March 31 to hear an application for substituted service on the magistrate, noting that the magistrate had not yet been served.

El-Rufai filed the suit following his detention by the ICPC on February 19 and a reported search of his Abuja residence. He seeks a declaration that the February 4 search warrant authorizing the search was invalid and violated his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy. He also requested an injunction restraining the respondents from using the seized evidence, the return of all items, and N1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages.

The ICPC countered that it acted under statutory powers in response to a petition against El-Rufai, while the police maintained that the search was conducted under a valid court warrant.

The matter has faced repeated procedural delays, with previous adjournments on March 3 and 11 due to service and process issues.