Court Delivers Fresh Ruling In El-Rufai Case, Keeps Justice Khobo On Trial

The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Darius Khobo from the ongoing trial involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the ruling followed an application challenging the judge on allegations of bias.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that the applicant had not forfeited the right to raise concerns about alleged bias simply because of previous actions taken during the proceedings. However, the court found that filing multiple processes before both the Court of Appeal and the Kaduna State High Court amounted to an abuse of judicial process.

The judge also ruled that the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence establishing a likelihood of bias against him.

Justice Khobo considered three major issues before reaching his decision. On whether the applicant had waived his right to challenge the judge, the court ruled that the right remained available despite the applicant’s previous conduct.

On the issue of abuse of court process, however, the court found that the filing of multiple processes at different levels of the judiciary constituted an abuse of the judicial process.

The court also rejected the claim of likely bias, concluding that the applicant had not demonstrated circumstances capable of establishing such a likelihood.

Consequently, Justice Khobo dismissed the application for recusal, clearing the way for the substantive trial to continue before him.

The judge subsequently directed that the trial should proceed on a day-to-day basis where practicable in order to facilitate an accelerated hearing. He further ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission pending the continuation of proceedings.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the case has been adjourned until October 12 and 13, 2026, for further hearing.