Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called for an urgent investigation into the conduct of a Federal High Court judge, alleging bias in an ongoing corruption trial against him.
The former governor accused the court of denying him a fair hearing and warned that continued silence by authorities could weaken public trust in the judiciary.
In a fresh move, El-Rufai wrote a second reminder letter dated March 9, 2026, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In the letter, he expressed frustration over what he described as the National Judicial Council’s delay in responding to his earlier petition against Justice R.M. Aikawa.
Justice Aikawa is currently presiding over a criminal case filed against El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The former governor was arraigned on Tuesday on a 10-count charge. The charges include alleged corruption, abuse of office, money laundering, and unlawful control of public assets.
El-Rufai’s legal team questioned why the same judge is handling the matter despite an existing petition against him. They argued that the situation raises concerns about impartiality and fairness in the proceedings.
In his letter, El-Rufai noted that it has been over a year since he first filed the petition in February 2025. He said the lack of response from the council is troubling.
“More than one year has now elapsed since its submission, yet no further communication has been forthcoming from the NJC,” El-Rufai wrote.
The former governor explained that his petition was submitted in line with the NJC Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017. He alleged “profound bias, denial of fair hearing, and conduct wholly unbecoming of a judicial officer.”
He added that such conduct, in his view, makes the judge “unfit to administer justice in a civilised society.”
El-Rufai also claimed that Justice Aikawa has continued to handle cases involving his former associates in the Kaduna State government. He accused the judge of admitting evidence “patently inadmissible under the Evidence Act.”
According to him, “His rulings continue to inflict unwarranted harm on innocent individuals solely due to their prior association with me.”
He warned that failure to address such issues could damage the justice system. He said unchecked judicial actions may push people toward taking matters into their own hands.
“Where irrational judgments and rulings prevail unchecked, society may regrettably resort to self-help, ultimately eroding the administration of justice,” he added.
As part of his demands, El-Rufai urged the Chief Justice to order the transfer of all related cases from the Kaduna Federal High Court to another judge. He said such cases should be handled by a judge “of unimpeachable standing.”
However, the National Judicial Council has responded, confirming that the matter is still under review. In a reply dated March 24, 2026, and signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, the council stated that the petition is being examined by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.
The council disclosed that the Chief Justice had earlier forwarded the petition to Justice Aikawa on March 21, 2025, asking for a response within 14 days. It noted that the judge failed to reply until after a reminder was sent in November 2025.
According to the council, both the petition and the judge’s response are now before the committee to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a full investigation.
“The petition is currently before the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee to determine if a prima facie case has been established,” the statement read.
The NJC maintained that its process allows the judge to defend himself before any final decision is taken.
El-Rufai’s complaint is linked to Suit No. FHC/KD/CS/55/2024 between him and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, where he earlier raised concerns about judicial conduct.
