El-Rufai Demands Withdrawal Of Judge In ICPC’s Money Laundering Case; Alleges Bias

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has objected to his trial by a Kaduna Federal High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa, citing fears of conflict of  interest and bias as  major reasons.

The Source reports that El-Rufai, after a prolonged spell in custody without trial was on Tuesday March 24, 2026, arraigned by the ICPC before Justice Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and inflation of Severance package to the tune of over N570 million, while holding sway as the Kaduna State Governor.

El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was arraigned alongside Joel Adoga.

But in a statement signed by Muyiwa Adekeye, his spokesperson, the former Kaduna State Governor expressed fears that justice may not be served going by the fact that El-Rufai had filed a pending petition against Justice Aikawa , before the National Judicial Council, NJC.

According to Adekeye, El-Rufai’s legal team  which raised the objection during Tuesday’s court proceedings expressed serious concern that the development may not serve the interest of justice in the ongoing case as the NJC is yet to dispense with El-Rufai’s petition against Justice Aikawa.

According to Adekeye, the legal team  told the Court that El-Rufai is not likely to get a fair trial from the presiding Judge whom he accused bias against him in past cases.

“Surprised that Justice R. M. Aikawa is presiding over the matter. El-Rufai’s legal team reminded the Court of its client’s petition against the Judge which is pending before the National Judicial Council”, Adekeye wrote.

In his response, Justice Aikawa, before adjourning proceedings till March 31, 2026, ruled that the legal team should file a formal written application before the next adjourned date.

“Justice Aikawa ruled that he would, at least, conduct the arraignment of the two defendants (El-Rufai and Adoga ), and hear the matter of his recusal if Counsel would bring it by way of a formal written application”, El-Rufai’s spokesperson added.

According to Adekeye, the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, had, on March 17, set aside Justice Aikawa’s verdict in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai in 2024 against the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The Appellate Court, affirmed El-Rufai’s appeal that he was not given a fair hearing by Justice Aikawa while presiding over the case between the Kaduna State Lawmakers and the former Governor.

Consequently, the Appeal Court ordered the trial Court to re-commence the case a fresh so as to afford El-Rufai the opportunity to defend himself.

He noted: “That case had prompted the first petition against Justice Aikawa by El-Rufai’s counsel. In a petition dated 18, July, 2024, A. U. Mustapha, SAN, on behalf of Malam El-Rufai, accused Justice Aikawa of gross bias, injustice, and denial of fair hearing.

“The petition , addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, requested that the case be reassigned to another Judge. When that request was not granted, El-Rufai’s counsel pursued and succeeded in the appeal.

“The second petition against Justice Aikawa dated 18 March 2025, was submitted by Malam Nasir El-Rufai to the Chief Justice of Nigeria in her capacity as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council NJC.

“In it, El-Rufai accused Justice Aikawa of bias, injustice, denial of fair hearing and conduct unbecoming of a Judicial Officer.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai sent reminders concerning the petition to the Chief Justice of Nigeria in November 2025 ,and again in March 2026 .

“The most recent reminder urged the Chief Justice to ensure that the NJC expedites the resolution of the petition without further delay.

“The reminder also requested the Chief Justice to direct the immediate transfer of all relevant cases before the Federal High Court Kaduna to another Judge as a prudent interim measure to restore impartiality and safeguard judii processes”, Adekeye further stated .

The source further reports that El-Rufai’s arraignment on Tuesday was characterized by heightened security amidst tension and protest by his supporters. The media was barred from covering the Court’s proceedings.