Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court transmits the case file in the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Chief Judge of the FCT for reassignment.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the development follows the court’s earlier adjournment of the matter to Wednesday, 25 February 2026, for the hearing of El-Rufai’s bail application. However, Justice Belgore informs parties that he is proceeding on leave, making it necessary to return the case file to the Chief Judge for administrative reassignment to another judge.
The suit centers on the enforcement of El-Rufai’s fundamental human rights, with the former governor challenging actions taken by several federal agencies. The respondents listed in the case include the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Mediaplusng.com gathers that El-Rufai has remained in detention since voluntarily reporting to the EFCC on Monday, 16 February 2026. He is later transferred to ICPC custody on the night of 18 February, a move that intensifies public and legal scrutiny surrounding the case.
The legal action seeks judicial intervention to determine whether the applicant’s constitutional rights have been breached in the course of investigations and detention. Legal analysts note that fundamental human rights enforcement suits often require expedited hearings due to their constitutional implications, particularly when issues of personal liberty are involved.
Mediaplusng.com understands that the reassignment process is an administrative procedure designed to ensure continuity in judicial proceedings when a presiding judge is unavailable. Once reassigned, the newly designated judge is expected to fix fresh dates for the hearing of pending applications, including the bail request.
The case has drawn national attention due to El-Rufai’s high-profile political background and the involvement of multiple anti-corruption and security agencies. Observers say the proceedings could test procedural safeguards relating to arrest, detention, and inter-agency collaboration in high-profile investigations.
The latest update on the matter is formally signed by Muyiwa Adekeye, Media Adviser, and dated 27 February 2026. As the legal process continues, stakeholders await further directives from the FCT High Court regarding the reassignment and the next stage of proceedings in the fundamental rights suit.
