El-Rufai Vs Kaduna Assembly: Court Fixes New Date For Hearing Of Respondent’s Applications

Nasir El-Rufai

A Federal High Court in Kaduna State on Monday, announced a new date for the suit brought before it by the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

Recall that El-Rufai had approached the court on June 26th, to challenge the investigation report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused him of corruption throughout his tenure.

The former governor also sought the court’s ruling to declare the Assembly’s report invalid for violating his right to a fair trial, arguing that he was not given the chance to defend himself against the allegations made against him by the House.

El-Rufai also mentioned the Attorney General of the State as a respondent in his application.

At the start of the case’s proceedings on Monday, the lawyer representing the state House of Assembly, Sani Katu, SAN, told the court that they are preparing to submit a notice of preliminary objection, questioning the court’s authority to hear the case.

Consequently, the lawyer requested a delay to allow them to submit all their legal responses to the case filed against their client, Nasir El-Rufai.

The argument for an extension of time was also made by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Sule Shauaibu, SAN, who is also a defendant in the case.

However, the lawyer representing El-Rufai, Sule Umoru, did not oppose the request for more time.

After reviewing all the arguments presented by the lawyers, Judge R.M AIKAWA decided to adjourn the case to July 17th, 2024, to give the defendants the opportunity to file all their applications, including the main application.