- El-Rufai noted that more than a year had passed since he filed his petition in February 2025
- The petition concerns allegations of judicial bias and misconduct against Justice Aikawa
- The NJC clarified that the petition is currently being assessed to determine if there is a prima facie case
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has ramped up pressure on the National Judicial Council (NJC), urging swift action on his complaint against Federal High Court Judge Justice R.M. Aikawa. El-Rufai alleges bias and judicial misconduct in the handling of his case.
In a second reminder sent on March 9, 2026, to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, El-Rufai expressed frustration over the NJC’s lack of response to his petition, which was filed over a year ago, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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The petition concerns allegations of judicial bias and misconduct against Justice Aikawa, who is currently overseeing a corruption case brought against El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai is facing multiple charges, including money laundering, abuse of office, and illegal possession of public funds. His legal team has previously questioned why Justice Aikawa, who is the subject of a pending petition, was assigned to the case.
In his letter to the NJC, El-Rufai noted that more than a year had passed since he filed his petition in February 2025, with no response or progress communicated by the council.
He emphasized that the petition, filed under the NJC’s Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017, accuses the judge of severe bias, denial of fair hearing, and unprofessional conduct, which, according to El-Rufai, makes him unfit to serve as a judicial officer.
El-Rufai warned that the delay in addressing his complaint could harm public confidence in the judiciary.
He also accused Justice Aikawa of presiding over cases involving former associates from the Kaduna State Government, admitting evidence he claimed was inadmissible, and issuing rulings that unjustly harm innocent individuals because of their association with him.
“Unchecked judicial behavior could weaken the rule of law,” El-Rufai warned, adding that if such conduct continues, society might resort to self-help, undermining the administration of justice.
El-Rufai has requested that the Chief Justice order the transfer of all related cases before Justice Aikawa to another judge with an unblemished reputation, particularly those involving the Kaduna State Government.
In response, the NJC confirmed in a letter dated March 24, 2026, that the petition is under review. The NJC’s Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, explained that the complaint has been referred to the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee for evaluation.
The council noted that Justice Aikawa was notified of the petition on March 21, 2025, and asked to respond within 14 days. However, he did not reply until after a reminder was sent in November 2025.
The NJC clarified that the petition is currently being assessed to determine if there is a prima facie case, and that the judge will be allowed to present a defense before any decision is made.
El-Rufai’s complaint is related to Suit No. FHC/KD/CS/55/2024, which involves a dispute with the Kaduna State House of Assembly over allegations of judicial misconduct.
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