El-Rufai Seeks to Block Asset Freezing by Anti-Graft Agencies
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has approached a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an injunction to stop Nigeria’s anti-corruption and security agencies from freezing his bank accounts or seizing his assets.
In the suit filed through his counsel, El-Rufai asked the court to restrain the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and State Security Service from taking any action that would limit his access to his financial assets while legal proceedings are ongoing.
He argued that his properties and accounts were lawfully acquired, including severance benefits from his tenure as governor, and therefore should not be subject to precautionary freezing. The application seeks an interim order maintaining the status quo and preventing any move to block specific accounts with Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Access Bank.
El-Rufai also requested a perpetual injunction barring confiscation of his assets and is demanding ₦1 billion in damages for alleged violation of his constitutional rights. The move comes amid ongoing investigations by anti-graft bodies into alleged financial improprieties during his time in office.
The ICPC previously detained El-Rufai for questioning, while the EFCC and DSS have also conducted inquiries related to governance and security matters. His legal team maintains that he is willing to cooperate with lawful investigations but insists that any action against his assets must be based on credible evidence and due process.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the injunction application. The outcome could determine whether authorities proceed with asset preservation measures or allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his financial holdings while investigations continue.
