Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting the reassignment of his ongoing case from Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
In a petition dated April 9, 2026, El-Rufai asked that the matter be transferred to another judge within or outside the Kaduna Division, citing alleged bias and concerns over judicial conduct. He argued that continued hearing of the case by the current judge could undermine fairness and legal standards.
He stated that several petitions alleging bias against the judge are already pending before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC), adding that these issues raise questions about impartiality.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the case, including its link to earlier proceedings involving similar parties and issues, make reassignment necessary. He also raised concerns over what he described as an “unavoidable perception of bias,” warning that it could affect public confidence in the judicial process.
El-Rufai further argued that proceeding with the current arrangement could damage the credibility of the judiciary and risk challenges at the appellate stage, after significant legal consequences may have already arisen.
He maintained that the case should either have been assigned to a different judge from the outset or transferred once objections were raised.
The former governor urged the CJN to order an immediate reassignment of the case and to refer allegations raised in the petition, including claims against Justice Aikawa, to the appropriate body within the NJC for review.
He also called for administrative measures to ensure the integrity of the trial and strengthen public trust in the justice system.
