Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting the reassignment of his ongoing criminal trial from Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
In a petition dated April 9, 2026, El-Rufai urged the CJN to transfer the case to another judge within the Kaduna Division or take any necessary administrative steps to protect the integrity of the proceedings and public confidence in the judiciary.
He described Justice Aikawa’s continued handling of the case as “untenable in law, prudence, common sense and judicial ethics,” alleging bias, unresolved disciplinary complaints, and refusal by the judge to recuse himself.
The case, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), involves a 10-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud amounting to ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million. Justice Aikawa of the Federal High Court of Nigeria is currently presiding over the matter, with a bail hearing scheduled for April 14.
El-Rufai’s latest request follows an earlier petition filed in February 2025. He cited multiple pending complaints of bias before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that the overlap of parties, facts, and prior proceedings creates an “objective appearance of bias.”
He further argued that even the perception of bias is sufficient to undermine judicial fairness, warning that continued proceedings under Justice Aikawa could damage public confidence and risk appellate reversal.
In his prayer to the CJN, El-Rufai asked that the case be reassigned to another judge within or outside the Kaduna Division, and that Justice Aikawa’s conduct be referred to the National Judicial Council for review and possible administrative action.
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