Justice Hussaini Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has withdrawn from the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, citing his impending leave.

The judge returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court for reassignment to another judge.

The suit, instituted at the FCT High Court, challenges alleged violations of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights. In his application, the former governor alleged unlawful actions by agencies including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai also referenced the alleged invasion of his Abuja residence and named other security and anti-graft bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with ongoing legal matters involving him.

Following Justice Belgore’s withdrawal, proceedings in the case have been put on hold pending reassignment by the FCT Chief Judge.