El-Rufai Challenges Judge in Court Over Pending Petition

On Tuesday, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared in the Federal High Court, Kaduna, where he was arraigned on charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). El-Rufai's legal team expressed surprise at Justice R.M.

Aikawa's presidency of the matter, reminding the court of a pending petition against the judge at the National Judicial Council (NJC). Justice Aikawa ruled on procedural matters, directing the defense to issue a formal written application for recusal.

The case was subsequently adjourned to March 31, 2026, for a hearing on a bail application filed on behalf of El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga. This development follows a recent judgment from the Kaduna Division of the Court of Appeal on March 17, 2026, which set aside Justice Aikawa's earlier decision regarding El-Rufai's fundamental rights.

The controversy surrounding Justice Aikawa dates back to July 18, 2024, when El-Rufai's counsel, U. Mustapha SAN, filed a petition accusing the judge of injustice and denial of a fair hearing.