Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally requested the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer his case from Justice R.M. Aikawa due to alleged bias.
El-Rufai, in a petition, expressed dissatisfaction with Justice Aikawa’s handling of his case, which challenges a probe report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The report indicted El-Rufai for alleged misappropriation of ₦423 billion in public funds.
Filed in June 2024, El-Rufai’s suit aims to nullify the Assembly’s report, arguing it violated his constitutional right to a fair hearing. However, during a recent court session, Justice Aikawa proceeded with the hearing despite the absence of El-Rufai’s counsel, Abdulhakeem Mustapha.
El-Rufai criticized this decision, claiming it demonstrated bias and injustice. He has now appealed to the Chief Judge to reassign the case to another judge to ensure impartiality and a fair hearing.
