The fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been reassigned after Justice Belgore transmitted the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for reallocation.
The development comes after the court had earlier adjourned proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, to Friday, February 27, 2026, for the hearing of El-Rufai’s bail application.
Judge Cites Official Leave for Reassignment
Justice Belgore explained that the decision to return the case file was necessitated by his impending leave.
As a result, the matter will now be reassigned by the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court to another judge for continuation of proceedings.
The reassignment effectively postpones the scheduled hearing of the bail application until a new judge takes over the case and fixes a fresh date.
Case Targets Multiple Federal Agencies
El-Rufai’s suit seeks the enforcement of his fundamental human rights against several federal agencies, including:
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
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The Department of State Services (DSS)
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The Attorney-General of the Federation
His legal team is challenging the legality of his detention and requesting judicial intervention to secure his release.
Timeline of Detention
According to a statement issued by Muyiwa Adekeye, Media Adviser to El-Rufai, the former governor has been in custody since Monday, February 16, 2026.
He had reportedly honoured an invitation and voluntarily presented himself at the EFCC headquarters.
On the night of February 18, he was transferred from EFCC custody to the ICPC.
Since then, his legal representatives have pursued court action to contest the circumstances of his continued detention.
Awaiting Fresh Hearing Date
With the case now pending reassignment, attention shifts to the office of the FCT Chief Judge, who is expected to allocate the matter to another judge in the coming days.
Observers note that the delay could temporarily stall consideration of the bail application, prolonging El-Rufai’s stay in custody unless administrative reassignment is expedited.
Further updates are expected once a new hearing date is announced.
