Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has asked the Federal High Court to strike out criminal charges filed against him by Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency.
In an application filed ahead of a hearing scheduled for 25 February, Mr El-Rufai is challenging the legality of the case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing it as an abuse of court process.
His lawyer argues that the charge – listed as FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 – is invalid, discloses no offence recognised by law, and lacks evidence to support prosecution.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe filing asks the court to quash the charges in full, discharge the former governor on the basis that no prima facie case has been established, and award 2bn naira (about $) in costs against the DSS.
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According to court documents, the application lists multiple grounds for dismissal, including alleged constitutional breaches such as violation of the presumption of innocence, the right against self-incrimination, and protections for freedom of expression and association.
The case is due to be heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who is expected to consider arguments from both sides on whether the charges should proceed to trial.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
