A Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed the case between former Governor Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai and the Kaduna State House of Assembly to July 17, 2024. The decision came during a court session on Monday.
El-Rufai has challenged a report from the Kaduna House Committee that accused him of a multi-million Naira fraud and corruption during his time as governor. He claims that the report is invalid because he was not given a chance to defend himself against the allegations.
During the hearing, Sani Katu, SAN, who represents the Kaduna State House of Assembly, told the court that they are preparing to file a notice of preliminary objection. This objection will challenge the court’s authority to hear the case.
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Katu requested more time to complete their legal filings related to the case. Sule Shauaibu, SAN, the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of Kaduna State, also supported the request for additional time.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Sule Umoru, did not oppose the request for more time.
Justice R.M. Aikawa, the presiding judge, agreed to the extension and set the next hearing date for July 17, 2024, to allow the respondents to prepare their applications and address the main issues in the case.
Furthermore, Katu said, “We are in the process of filing a notice of preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear this case.”
Justice Aikawa affirms that, “The case is adjourned to July 17, 2024, for the respondents to file all necessary applications.”
El-Rufai filed the lawsuit after the Kaduna House Committee’s report accused him of fraud and corruption. He argues that the report is unconstitutional because he was not invited to respond to the charges.