The case file of the fundamental human rights enforcement lawsuit brought by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been sent by Justice Belgore to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory for reassignment.
Apparently, the news comes after the judge decided to go on leave.
The court postponed hearing El-Rufai’s bail application until Friday on Wednesday, February 25.
During Friday’s session, Justice Belgore revealed that he would be taking a leave of absence. As a result, he sent the case file back to the FCT Chief Judge for reassignment to a different judge.
The lawsuit was filed to hold the Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) accountable for violating El-Rufai’s fundamental human rights.
His media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, said in a statement on February 27 that El-Rufai had been detained since he voluntarily reported to the EFCC on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The statement also stated that on the evening of February 18, he was transferred to the custody of the ICPC.
The case has been reassigned, thus once the case is assigned to a different judge, a new date for the hearing of the bail application is anticipated to be set.
Despite El-Rufai’s ongoing incarceration by anti-graft agencies, his legal team is fighting for the enforcement of his rights.
