The court dismissed the suit for lacking merit and substance, as constituted by the plaintiff.
Justice Oriji also awarded N200,000 in costs to each of the respondents, to be paid by the former governor.
The court held that the invitation letters issued to El-Rufai by two federal government agencies complied with constitutional requirements and did not violate his fundamental rights.
The presiding judge ruled that neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) nor the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) violated El-Rufai’s rights by inviting him to respond to allegations and clarify issues raised against him.
On the attempted arrest of the former governor by the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the court upheld the agency’s argument that it had statutory powers to maintain watchlists and arrest persons of interest.
Justice Oriji further held that El-Rufai could not use the court to prevent security and law enforcement agencies from carrying out their lawful duties.
The judge also rejected El-Rufai’s argument that the attempted arrest was unlawful because no warrant had been obtained. He ruled that the DSS possessed powers comparable to those of the police under the relevant legal framework governing the agency, including the instrument establishing the State Security Service and the National Security Agencies Act.
Regarding the seizure of El-Rufai’s passport by the DSS, the court held that the action was lawful and fell within the agency’s powers. It further ruled that the former governor had failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish that the seizure was continuing, permanent or unlawful.
