The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) permission to access and analyze electronic devices seized from the residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

The order was issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Thursday, following an ex-parte motion filed by ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha. The motion sought authorization for the commission to inspect, conduct forensic examinations, and extract data from the devices in connection with its ongoing investigation into the former governor.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), ICPC operatives recovered 14 electronic devices from El-Rufai’s Abuja residence. These included a Sony HD-EGS storage device, ITB Transcend storage device, Toshiba storage device, Samsung and Nokia mobile phones, a Blackberry device, Google IDEOS phone, Samsung storage device (SPO802N), Remarkable tablet, Apple MacBook Pro, Seagate FreeAgent desk external drive, ZTE mobile phone, ten flash drives, and a microSD card.

The ex-parte motion relates to case FHC/ABJ/CS/499/2026, titled Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. El-Rufai is simultaneously challenging the search in a separate suit seeking ₦1 billion in damages under case FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, filed on February 20 by Oluwole Iyamu.

In his fundamental rights enforcement suit, El-Rufai contends that the February 19 search of his residence at 12 Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, violated his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy, as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the Nigerian Constitution. He is also seeking an injunction to prevent any evidence obtained during the search from being used in legal proceedings against him. Additionally, he demands the immediate return of all seized items with an inventory and claims ₦1 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages.

In response, ICPC stated that the search was conducted in compliance with a valid court warrant issued on February 18 and executed on February 19 between 1:37 pm and 3:56 pm. The operation, carried out with support from the Nigeria Police Force, was reportedly witnessed by El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed. The commission urged the court to dismiss El-Rufai’s suit, describing its actions as lawful and part of a legitimate investigation.

The Nigeria Police Force, through a counter-affidavit by Insp. Ewa Anthony, defended the search, emphasizing that it was conducted under a valid court order and in full compliance with legal procedures. The police also argued that El-Rufai’s suit appeared aimed at using the judiciary as a shield against ongoing investigations and potential prosecution.

The case remains pending before the Federal High Court, with the recent authorization allowing ICPC to continue forensic examination of the recovered devices.