Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has intensified pressure on the National Judicial Council, demanding swift action on his petition against a Federal High Court judge, Justice R.M. Aikawa, over allegations of bias and judicial misconduct.
In a second reminder letter dated March 9, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, El-Rufai expressed concern about what he described as the council’s prolonged silence regarding his complaint.
Justice Aikawa is currently presiding over a criminal case filed against El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor was arraigned before the judge on Tuesday on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and financial misconduct, including money laundering, abuse of office, conversion of public property, and unlawful possession of public funds.
El-Rufai’s legal team had earlier expressed surprise that Justice Aikawa was assigned to the case despite an existing petition against him before the NJC.
In the letter to the council, El-Rufai said more than one year had passed since he submitted the petition in February 2025, with no communication regarding its outcome.
“More than one year has now elapsed since its submission, yet no further communication has been forthcoming from the NJC,” he wrote.
He explained that the petition, filed under the NJC Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017, accused the judge of “profound bias, denial of fair hearing, and conduct wholly unbecoming of a judicial officer.”
According to him, such conduct renders the judge “unfit to administer justice in a civilised society.”
The former governor warned that delays in addressing the complaint could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
He further alleged that Justice Aikawa had continued to preside over cases involving some of his former associates in the Kaduna State Government and had admitted evidence he described as inadmissible.
“His rulings continue to inflict unwarranted harm on innocent individuals solely due to their prior association with me,” El-Rufai said.
He added that unchecked judicial conduct could weaken the rule of law.
“Where irrational judgments and rulings prevail unchecked, society may regrettably resort to self-help, ultimately eroding the administration of justice,” he stated.
As part of his request, El-Rufai urged the Chief Justice to direct that all related cases pending before Justice Aikawa at the Federal High Court in Kaduna be transferred to another judge.
He said the cases should be reassigned to a judge “of unimpeachable standing,” particularly those involving the Kaduna State Government.
Responding in a letter dated March 24, 2026, the NJC confirmed that the petition is currently under review.
The council’s Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, stated that the complaint had been referred to its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee for evaluation.
According to the NJC, the Chief Justice forwarded the petition to Justice Aikawa on March 21, 2025, requesting a response within 14 days.
However, the judge reportedly failed to respond until after a follow-up reminder was issued in November 2025.
“The petition is currently before the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee to determine if a prima facie case has been established,” the council said.
It added that its procedures allow the judge involved to present his defence before any decision is taken.
El-Rufai’s complaint is linked to Suit No. FHC/KD/CS/55/2024 between him and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, in which he alleges judicial impropriety.
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