By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai has called on the National Judicial Council to urgently investigate alleged bias and misconduct by Justice R. M. Aikawa.

The petition, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, seeks immediate action over what El-Rufai described as denial of fair hearing and questionable rulings in cases connected to him.

El-Rufai’s request was contained in a second reminder letter dated March 9, 2026.

In the document, he expressed concern over what he described as prolonged silence from the judicial oversight body regarding a petition he initially submitted in February 2025.

The former governor is currently facing a criminal trial filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The case, being heard at the Federal High Court, includes a 10-count charge bordering on corruption, alleged money laundering, abuse of office, conversion of public assets and unlawful possession of government funds.

According to El-Rufai, the continued involvement of Justice Aikawa in the proceedings raises serious concerns about impartiality.

His legal team reportedly questioned why the judge continued presiding over the matter despite the pending complaint before the National Judicial Council.

The former governor argued that more than a year had passed since he filed the petition without a final decision or public communication from the council.

He insisted that the delay could weaken public confidence in the judiciary and undermine the rule of law.

El-Rufai also accused the judge of admitting evidence that he claimed was inadmissible under Nigeria’s Evidence Act and alleged that several rulings had unfairly affected individuals linked to his administration in Kaduna State.

As an interim solution, he asked the Chief Justice to transfer all related cases from the Federal High Court in Kaduna to another judge with what he described as “unimpeachable standing.”

However, the National Judicial Council responded on March 24, 2026, confirming that the complaint is still under review by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

The council explained that Justice Aikawa had eventually submitted a response after a follow-up reminder was issued.

The NJC stated that the committee will determine whether a prima facie case exists before any full investigation or disciplinary action is initiated.