El-Rufai’s case suffers setback as judge proceeds on leave

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has forwarded the case file in the fundamental human rights enforcement suit instituted by former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for reassignment.

The action followed Justice Belgore’s disclosure in open court that he would be proceeding on leave, prompting the return of the matter for reassignment to another judge.

The court had previously adjourned proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, to Thursday for the hearing of El-Rufai’s bail application.

In the suit, the former governor is seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights against a number of security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation.

El-Rufai has remained in custody since Monday, February 16, 2026, after voluntarily presenting himself to the EFCC.

He was subsequently moved to the custody of the ICPC on the night of February 18.

The latest development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye.

His continued detention has generated varied reactions nationwide.

On Wednesday, Prof Ishaq Akintola, Director of the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC), urged anti-graft agencies to either arraign El-Rufai in court or release him.

A separate case instituted by the DSS against the former governor was stalled two days ago due to the failure of the secret police to produce him before the court.

The DSS informed the court that ICPC was still holding him, leading the judge to adjourn the matter till April 23, 2025.