A Federal High Court in Abuja has transmitted the case file in the fundamental human rights suit filed by former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for reassignment.

The development followed Justice Belgore’s announcement in open court that he would be proceeding on leave, necessitating the return of the case file for reassignment to another judge.

The court had earlier adjourned the matter on Wednesday, February 25, to Thursday to hear El-Rufai’s bail application.

The suit seeks the enforcement of his fundamental rights against several security and anti-graft agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation.

El-Rufai has been in detention since Monday, February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily reported to the EFCC.

He was later transferred to the custody of the ICPC on the night of February 18.

The update was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye.

El-Rufai’s detention has sparked a wide range of reactions across the country.

On Wednesday, Prof Ishaq Akintola, Director of the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC), asked anti-graft agencies to charge El-Rufai to court or release him.

A case which the Department of State Services (DSS) filed against the former governor was stalled two days ago over the failure of the secret police to produce him in court.

The DSS had told the court that ICPC was still holding him, forcing the judge to adjourn the matter till April 23, 2025.

Adekeye said the case was heard at the FCT High Court on Wednesday, February 25, the same day that the Federal High Court adjourned the DSS case against Malam El-Rufai till April 23.

Responding to the development, MURIC Director said it appeared as if there was a deliberate effort to keep El-Rufai in custody. (Daily Trust)