Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called for an immediate investigation into the actions of a Federal High Court judge, alleging bias in an ongoing corruption case against him.
The former governor claimed he has been denied a fair hearing and cautioned that continued inaction by relevant authorities could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
In a renewed effort, El-Rufai sent a second reminder letter dated March 9, 2026, to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In the correspondence, he voiced dissatisfaction over what he described as delays by the National Judicial Council in addressing his earlier petition against Justice R.M. Aikawa.
Justice Aikawa is presiding over a criminal case instituted against El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The ex-governor was arraigned on Tuesday on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, abuse of office, money laundering, and unlawful control of public assets.
His legal representatives questioned why the same judge continues to oversee the case despite a pending petition against him, arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about fairness and impartiality.
In the letter, El-Rufai pointed out that more than a year has passed since he initially filed the petition in February 2025, stressing that the absence of any response from the council is worrisome.
“More than one year has now elapsed since its submission, yet no further communication has been forthcoming from the NJC,” El-Rufai wrote.
He explained that the petition was filed in accordance with the NJC Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017, alleging “profound bias, denial of fair hearing, and conduct wholly unbecoming of a judicial officer.”
He further argued that such actions render the judge “unfit to administer justice in a civilised society.”
El-Rufai also alleged that Justice Aikawa has continued to preside over cases involving his former associates from the Kaduna State government, accusing the court 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 these concerns could undermine the justice system, noting that unchecked judicial conduct may drive individuals to take 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.
Among his requests, El-Rufai urged the Chief Justice to order the reassignment of all related cases from the Kaduna Federal High Court to another judge, recommending that they be handled by a judge “of unimpeachable standing.”
Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council confirmed that the issue remains under review. In a response 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 revealed that the Chief Justice had earlier forwarded the petition to Justice Aikawa on March 21, 2025, requesting a response within 14 days. It added that the judge did not respond until after a follow-up reminder was issued in November 2025.
According to the council, both the petition and the judge’s reply are currently before the committee to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant 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 emphasized that its procedures ensure the judge has an opportunity to present a defence before any final decision is reached.
El-Rufai’s petition is tied to Suit No. FHC/KD/CS/55/2024 involving him and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, where he had previously raised concerns regarding judicial conduct.
