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, denial of fair hearing, and judicial misconduct.

In a strongly worded second reminder letter dated March 9, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, El-Rufai expressed concern over what he described as prolonged silence and delay by the NJC in addressing his complaint against Justice Aikawa.

Justice Aikawa is currently handling a criminal case brought against El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

He was arraigned before the judge on Tuesday on a 10-count charge bordering on corruption and financial misconduct, including alleged money laundering, abuse of office, conversion of public property, and unlawful possession of public funds/assets.

The former governor’s legal team expressed surprise that Justice Aikawa presided over the case, citing a pending petition against the judge before the NJC.

In the reminder letter sent to NJC, El-Rufai noted that more than one year had elapsed since he first submitted a petition in February 2025, complaining of the judge’s alleged misconduct.

“More than one year has now elapsed since its submission, yet no further communication has been forthcoming from the NJC,” El-Rufai wrote.

The former governor said his petition, filed in line with the NJC Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017, alleged “profound bias, denial of fair hearing, and conduct wholly unbecoming of a judicial officer.”

He added that such actions, in his view, render the judge “unfit to administer justice in a civilised society.”

The former governor warned that the delay in addressing the complaint risked eroding public confidence in the judiciary.

El-Rufai further alleged that Justice Aikawa continued to preside over cases involving his former associates in the Kaduna State government, accusing the judge of admitting evidence “patently inadmissible under the Evidence Act.”

“His rulings continue to inflict unwarranted harm on innocent individuals solely due to their prior association with me,” he said.

El-Rufai cautioned that unchecked judicial conduct could undermine 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 added.

As an interim measure, El-Rufai urged the Chief Justice to order the immediate transfer of all related cases from the Federal High Court in Kaduna to another judge “of unimpeachable standing,” particularly those involving the Kaduna State government.

However, in a response dated March 24, 2026, the NJC, through its Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, confirmed that the petition was still under review by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

According to the Council, the Chief Justice had promptly forwarded the petition to Justice Aikawa on March 21, 2025, requesting his response within 14 days.

However, the judge failed to respond until after a follow-up reminder was issued in November 2025.

The Council explained that both the petition and the judge’s response were now before the committee responsible for determining whether a prima facie case exists to warrant a full investigation.

“The petition is currently before the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee to determine if a prima facie case has been established,” the statement read.

The NJC reiterated that its process ensures fairness by allowing the respondent judge to present his defence before any decision is taken.

El-Rufai’s petition stems from Suit No. FHC/KD/CS/55/2024 between him and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, in which he alleges judicial impropriety. (Sunday PUNCH)

Update news