Justice Belgor Withdraws from El-Rufai's Case on Leave

Justice Belgor has withdrawn from the case concerning former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and will proceed on leave. This decision was announced on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, leading to the adjournment of proceedings regarding El-Rufai's bail application, which was scheduled for Friday.

Justice Belgor disclosed the leave would result in the case file being reassigned to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). El-Rufai is involved in a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to a statement issued by Muyiwa Adekey on February 27, El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the EFCC on February 16, 2026, and was later moved into the custody of the ICPC on the night of February 18. The reassignment of the case means a new date for the bail application hearing will be set once a judge is allocated.