Controversy Deepens in El-Rufai Rights Battle

Proceedings in the fundamental human rights lawsuit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai faced a setback on Friday, as the presiding judge announced his withdrawal from the case.

The lawsuit is currently being heard at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Justice Hussaini Belgore was overseeing the proceedings.

During the court session, Justice Belgore informed those present that he would no longer continue in his role due to his decision to take leave. Consequently, the case file has been returned to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court for reassignment to a different judge, which may lead to further delays in the proceedings.

This newly appointed judge will resume proceedings from the point at which the case was previously adjourned. El-Rufai’s lawsuit seeks judicial enforcement of his fundamental human rights and challenges actions purportedly taken against him by various anti-graft and security agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor also raised concerns over what he described as harassment and unlawful interference with his personal liberty, including alleged involvement of the Department of State Services in related actions against him.

With Justice Belgore stepping aside, the bail hearing earlier scheduled to take place before him will no longer hold.

The case will remain pending until a new judge is assigned and a fresh hearing date is fixed by the court.

However, court officials confirmed that parties to the suit will be duly informed once the Chief Judge completes the reassignment process.