Court Transfers Nasir el-Rufai’s Rights Suit for Reassignment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the transfer of a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai for reassignment. The decision was announced by Justice Belgor during court proceedings, necessitating the return of the case file for allocation to a new judge.

El-Rufai is challenging his continued detention by several anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). He has been in custody since February 16, 2026, after being invited by the EFCC and subsequently transferred to the ICPC on February 18.

The court has adjourned proceedings to February 25, 2026, to consider his bail application. Additionally, a separate case filed by the DSS against el-Rufai has stalled as the agency failed to produce him in court, prompting an adjournment of that case to April 23, 2026.