By Ghazali Ibrahim
Proceedings in the fundamental human rights case filed by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai have been halted after the judge handling the matter withdrew and returned the case file for reassignment.
Justice Hussaini Belgore, who has been overseeing El-Rufai’s suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, announced in open court on Friday that he would be proceeding on leave, prompting him to step away from the case and send the file back to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court for reassignment.
The case, which seeks enforcement of El-Rufai’s fundamental human rights amid his ongoing detention by anti-graft agencies, was adjourned earlier this week to hear his bail application.
However, with Justice Belgore’s departure, that hearing will now be rescheduled once a new judge is appointed.
El-Rufai’s action challenges actions taken against him by agencies including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation, asserting violations of his liberties and rights.
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since he reported himself to the EFCC in mid-February, as part of investigations into alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
With Justice Belgore on leave, the Chief Judge will assign a fresh trial judge to take over the matter.
Once reassigned, a new date will be set for El-Rufai’s bail application hearing and further processes in the case.
El-Rufai was expected to appear in court this week as part of his legal efforts to assert his rights, but the procedural shift means those plans are now on hold.
Parties to the suit will be notified once a new judge is designated and the hearing calendar is updated.
