El-Rufai's Request to Change Trial Judge Denied

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai faced a setback in his ongoing criminal trial when Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice Muhammad Aliyu, rejected his petitions to remove Justice Darius Hyet Khobo from presiding over the case. The petitions, filed by El-Rufai and his lawyer Ubong Akpan, alleged bias against Justice Khobo.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged El-Rufai with nine counts, including abuse of office and fraud, related to his administration from 2015 to 2023. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty.

The ICPC initially filed the case against El-Rufai and businessman Amadu Sule, but it was amended to proceed separately against El-Rufai due to Sule's absence. The Chief Judge reviewed the petitions and the responses from Justice Khobo, as well as a report from a three-member committee, which found no basis for transferring the case.

Consequently, Justice Khobo will continue to oversee the proceedings.