Kaduna CJ Refuses to Transfer el-Rufai's Case to Another Judge

Justice Muhammad Tukur Aliyu, the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, has declined to transfer the criminal case against former governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai to another judge. This decision, communicated in an internal letter dated August 19, 2026, was based on the conclusion that there was no justification for removing the case from Justice Darius Hyet Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count amended charge related to alleged advance-fee fraud and corrupt practices, having pleaded not guilty and remaining in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) since his arrest. His bail applications have been denied by Justice Khobo, prompting el-Rufai to submit petitions citing bias and a predetermined conviction.

The Chief Judge reviewed these petitions and, after considering a report from a committee of three legal practitioners, found no basis for transferring the case, instructing Justice Khobo to proceed with the trial in accordance with the law.