El-Rufai’s Trial Stalled As Ex-Governor Seeks New Judge

The trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suffered a setback after the Kaduna State High Court adjourned proceedings pending the determination of his application seeking the transfer of the case to another judge.

NEWSNGR reports that Justice Darius Khobo adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, after the defence filed an application seeking his recusal from the case.

The defence cited a lack of confidence in obtaining justice before the court.

The case, earlier fixed for accelerated hearing on July 6, 7 and 8, could not proceed following El-Rufai’s absence when the matter was called.

Lead prosecuting counsel, Chief Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), told the court that El-Rufai, who is in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, declined to be escorted by operatives to court.

Adedipe said the former governor insisted on seeing his personal doctor.

According to the prosecution, El-Rufai did not make any prior request to the commission to consult his physician.

The prosecution added that when examined by the ICPC medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no health complaints but wanted to honour his wife’s request to see his personal doctor.

The prosecution also informed the court that the defence served it with a motion filed on Monday morning, asking Justice Khobo to recuse himself and seeking a stay of proceedings pending the determination of the application.

Adedipe opposed the application, arguing that the Kaduna State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017, empowers the court to continue criminal proceedings where a defendant deliberately absents himself.

He also argued that the law does not recognise applications seeking a stay of criminal trials.

Counsel to El-Rufai, Ubong Akpan, urged the court not to proceed with the accelerated hearing.

Akpan said a petition had already been submitted to the Chief Judge of Kaduna State requesting reassignment of the matter to another judge.

Court Awaits Chief Judge’s Directive

In his ruling, Justice Khobo agreed with the prosecution that the ACJL permits a court to proceed where a defendant wilfully refuses to attend trial.

The judge also held that the filing of an application for recusal does not automatically stop criminal proceedings.

He, however, said since the Chief Judge had received a formal petition seeking the transfer of the case, the court would await his directive before proceeding with the substantive trial.

Justice Khobo directed the prosecution to file its response to the recusal application.

The matter was adjourned till July 15, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the defendant’s application.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count amended charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, conferring undue advantage, irregular award and execution of public contracts, money laundering and unlawful handling of public funds during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.