The Federal High Court, Abuja has adjourned a N1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and others.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until October 27 for definite hearing to allow counsel to El-Rufai, Akinyemi Aremu, respond to a counter-affidavit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) opposing the claims.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the AGF are listed as the second and third respondents in the suit.
When the matter was called on Monday, Aremu informed the court that the case was scheduled for hearing.
However, counsel to the AGF, Maimuna Lami-Shiru, told the court that the Attorney-General had filed a counter-affidavit in opposition to the suit.
She subsequently sought the court’s permission to move an application requesting an extension of time to deem the counter-affidavit as properly filed and served.
Counsel representing El-Rufai, the Inspector-General of Police and the ICPC did not oppose the application.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the application as prayed and subsequently adjourned the matter until October 27 for definite hearing.
In the suit, El-Rufai is asking the court to declare that the invasion and search of his residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, by operatives of the ICPC and the police on February 19 at about 2pm amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
The former governor is also seeking reliefs against the respondents in connection with the alleged search and invasion of his residence.
