Another blow for El-Rufai as Judge withdraws from Rights case

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has suffered another setback in his legal battle after the judge presiding over his fundamental human rights enforcement suit withdrew from the case.

The trial judge, Hussaini Belgore, announced his decision, citing his impending leave. He subsequently returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court for reassignment to another judge.

The suit, filed at the FCT High Court, challenges alleged violations of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights. Among the claims is the alleged unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The case also references the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) in separate but related legal matters concerning the former governor.

With the judge’s withdrawal, proceedings in the fundamental rights suit are now on hold pending reassignment by the Chief Judge.

The development marks a fresh twist in El-Rufai’s ongoing court battles, as attention shifts to when a new judge will be appointed and hearing dates rescheduled.