Abuja, Nigeria — A Federal High Court judge, Justice Belgore, has transmitted the case file in the fundamental human rights suit filed by Nasir El‑Rufai to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory for reassignment.
The development follows the judge’s decision to proceed on leave, prompting the return of the matter for administrative reassignment to another court.
The case, which seeks enforcement of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights, is instituted against the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Department of State Services, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The court had earlier adjourned proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to hear a bail application filed on behalf of the former Kaduna State governor. However, the reassignment means a new judge will now determine subsequent steps in the case.
According to a statement by Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai has remained in custody since voluntarily reporting to the EFCC on February 16, 2026. He was later transferred to ICPC custody on the night of February 18.
The reassignment is expected to pave the way for fresh hearing dates, including consideration of the pending bail application and the substantive human rights enforcement suit.