Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting the reassignment of Justice R.M. Aikawa from the Federal High Court, Kaduna, from handling his ongoing criminal trial.
Justice Aikawa is currently presiding over a 10-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which includes allegations of abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud involving N579.6 million and $1.1 million.
In a petition dated April 9, 2026, El-Rufai urged the Chief Justice to direct the transfer of the case to another judge within the Kaduna division, citing concerns over fairness and judicial integrity.
He argued that the continued handling of the case by Justice Aikawa raises serious questions of bias and undermines confidence in the judicial process.
The former governor maintained that multiple complaints alleging bias against the judge are still pending before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council.
He added that the circumstances surrounding the case present compelling grounds for reassignment.
According to El-Rufai, even the perception of bias is sufficient to compromise the credibility of the proceedings, warning that allowing the judge to continue could expose the case to potential reversal on appeal.
He further noted that the matter involves overlapping issues with earlier proceedings within the same judicial division, reinforcing his call for the case to be reassigned in the interest of justice.
El-Rufai also urged the CJN to take administrative steps to protect the integrity of the judiciary and ensure public confidence in the legal system.
Meanwhile, a bail hearing in the case has been scheduled for April 14, 2026, as the legal battle continues.
