Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Writes CJN from ICPC Custody, Seeks Update on 2025 Petition Against Justice R.M. Aikawa.

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Writes CJN from ICPC Custody, Seeks Update on 2025 Petition Against Justice R.M. Aikawa.

Detained former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has written a second reminder letter to Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, in her capacity as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), requesting an update on a petition he filed against Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division.

The letter, dated March 9, 2026, and written from ICPC custody, describes the correspondence as a follow-up to his original petition submitted in February 2025. El-Rufai noted that over a year has elapsed since the initial filing, and nearly a year since the NJC reportedly assured him in March 2025 that "appropriate action" was being taken. He added that his first reminder, sent in November 2025, went unanswered.

Invoking the NJC Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017, El-Rufai accused Justice Aikawa of bias, denial of fair hearing, and conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer. He alleged that the judge continues to preside over matters involving former officials of the Kaduna State government who served under his administration (2015–2023), potentially compromising impartiality.

The former governor urged the NJC to expedite consideration of the petition and provide a status update on any disciplinary proceedings or actions taken.

As of the time of this report, the National Judicial Council has issued no public response to the letter or the underlying petition. The NJC, responsible for judicial oversight and discipline, typically handles such complaints confidentially until determinations are made.

El-Rufai remains in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, 2026, following a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja. The detention relates to investigations into alleged corruption, money laundering, abuse of office, and mismanagement during his governorship. His family and legal team have repeatedly described the continued hold—past the initial remand period—as unlawful, with demands for immediate release and multiple suits filed, including a fundamental rights enforcement action and a N15.6 billion damages claim against the ICPC for alleged violations.

The petition against Justice Aikawa appears linked to ongoing or prior cases involving El-Rufai or associates at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, though specific suit details were not disclosed in the letter. Earlier reports from 2024 indicate El-Rufai had sought reassignment of certain matters from Justice Aikawa, citing similar concerns.

This development adds another layer to El-Rufai's multifaceted legal battles amid his detention. His legal team, led by Ubong Akpan, has not commented publicly on the letter to the CJN as of March 9, 2026.

The story continues to unfold, with potential implications for judicial accountability and the broader anti-corruption probe. Updates from the NJC or ICPC are awaited.