By Achile Danjuma
The judge presiding over the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has recused himself from the proceedings. The withdrawal is due to the judge’s scheduled leave, leading to the case file being returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for reassignment to another judicial officer.
The suit, brought before the FCT High Court, alleges violations of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights. Among the grievances cited are an alleged unlawful invasion of his residence in Abuja by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The case also involves other agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), in connection with ongoing legal matters concerning the former governor.
The recusal was confirmed to be by Justice Hussaini Belgore. Consequently, proceedings in the fundamental rights case have been indefinitely paused pending the reassignment of the matter by the Chief Judge.