Court Declines Jurisdiction In El-Rufai’s Fundamental Rights Suit Over Alleged Corruption
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has declined jurisdiction in a suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. El-Rufai sought to nullify the indictment by an Adhoc Committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly over alleged corruption, among other reliefs.
In his ruling, Justice R.M. Aikawa held that El-Rufai failed to demonstrate any grounds that would justify setting aside the court’s proceedings. The judge also rejected El-Rufai’s request for him to recuse himself, stating that the former governor did not provide sufficient reasons or evidence to warrant such an action.
Instead of dismissing or striking out the suit, as requested by the respondents’ counsels, the court invoked Section 22(2) of the Federal High Court Act, transferring the case to the Kaduna State High Court for further determination by the State Chief Judge.
Femi Falana, SAN, and Sani Katu, SAN, represented the 1st respondent, while Kaduna State Attorney-General Sule Shuaibu, SAN, and Jummai Danazumi, Esq., appeared for the 2nd respondent.
Following the judgment, several lawyers described the ruling as a victory for the rule of law and emphasized the importance of judicial independence. One of the counsels noted, “This decision sends a strong message that the courts will not be influenced by attempts to undermine the legal process.”
The case has garnered significant attention from legal experts and observers, who have praised the court’s decision as a win for justice and fairness.
