El-Rufai Petitions CJN, Seeks Reassignment of Case Over Alleged Judicial Bias
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking the reassignment of his ongoing case from Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
In the petition dated April 9, 2026, El-Rufai requested that the case be transferred to another judge within the Kaduna division, citing concerns over alleged bias and questionable judicial conduct.
He argued that Justice Aikawa’s continued handling of the matter would not align with established legal and ethical standards.
The former governor noted that multiple petitions accusing the judge of bias are currently before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
He further explained that the circumstances of the case, particularly its link to earlier proceedings involving the same parties and similar issues, make reassignment necessary. According to him, the situation has created an “unavoidable perception of bias,” which could undermine confidence in the judicial process.
El-Rufai warned that allowing the case to proceed under the current arrangement could harm the credibility of the judiciary and potentially lead to the nullification of the trial at the appellate level, after causing significant personal consequences.
He maintained that the case should have either been assigned to a different judge from the outset or transferred once concerns were raised.
The former governor therefore urged the CJN to order the immediate reassignment of the case to another judge within or outside the Kaduna division.
He also requested that issues raised in the petition, including Justice Aikawa’s conduct, be referred to the appropriate body within the NJC for review.
El-Rufai further called for administrative measures to safeguard the integrity of the trial and maintain public confidence in the justice system.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the CJN or other relevant judicial authorities.
