Judge steps down from El-Rufai’s human rights case, gives reasons

The human rights lawsuit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai encountered an unexpected setback on Friday. The presiding judge, Justice Hussaini Belgore, announced his withdrawal from the case, leaving the matter in a state of uncertainty.

The case, which is currently before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, has drawn significant attention due to its high-profile nature, and the judge’s decision adds a new twist to the ongoing proceedings.

Following this development, the case file has been officially returned to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court for reassignment.

A new judge is expected to be appointed to take over the matter and continue proceedings from where it was previously adjourned.

El-Rufai’s suit is seeking judicial enforcement of his fundamental human rights. In the application, he is challenging actions allegedly taken against him by anti-graft and security agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The former governor also raised concerns over what he described as harassment and unlawful interference with his personal liberty, including alleged involvement of the Department of State Services in related actions against him.

With Justice Belgore stepping aside, the bail hearing earlier scheduled to take place before him will no longer hold.

The case will remain pending until a new judge is assigned and a fresh hearing date is fixed by the court.

However, court officials confirmed that parties to the suit will be duly informed once the Chief Judge completes the reassignment process.