Kaduna State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Aliyu, has rejected a request by former governor Nasir El-Rufai to transfer his ongoing criminal trial to another judge for a fresh hearing.
In a letter dated August 19, 2026, Aliyu said there was no basis to remove the case from Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, who is currently presiding over the trial.
“I have studied and considered the petitions dated June 30, 2026 and July 6, 2026, respectively submitted by counsel for the defendant and the defendant, as well as Your Lordship’s responses to the said petitions dated July 16, 2026.
“Pursuant to the powers conferred on me under Section 111(1)+{4) of the Kaduna State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017, a body of three reputable legal practitioners was constituted to investigate the petitions and submit its report. The committee submitted its report yesterday, August 18, 2026.
“The committee found no basis for the exercise of my administrative powers to transfer the matter from Your Lordship to another judge of the High Court of Justice, Kaduna State,” the letter stated.
The chief judge directed Justice Khobo to continue with the trial, stressing that the case should be heard and determined in accordance with the law and principles of fairness.
The letter added, “Accordingly, Your Lordship shall proceed with the hearing and determination of the matter in accordance with the law and fairness.”
El-Rufai, who is facing a nine-count amended charge dated April 10, 2026, bordering on alleged advance-fee fraud and corrupt practices, had petitioned the chief judge seeking the transfer of the case to another judge.
His request followed the alleged refusal by Justice Khobo to grant him bail pending the determination of the case.
The former governor accused the judge of bias and alleged that he had predetermined his conviction. He also claimed that the manner in which the trial was being conducted suggested a “mob mentality and pressure mounted on him by some disgruntled Southern Kaduna leaders since this case was assigned to him”.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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