A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned until July 17, 2024, to hear a suit brought by Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, against the Kaduna State House of Assembly and the state Attorney General.
According to a report by Punch on Monday, July 8, 2024, El-Rufai's lawsuit challenges the Assembly's report accusing him of misappropriating N423 billion.
El-Rufai, represented by his lawyer Abdulhakeem Mustapha, contends that the Assembly violated his right to a fair hearing by not inviting him during their investigation. He seeks the court to nullify the report of the Assembly's ad hoc committee.
During the commencement of the hearing on Monday, Sani Katu, SAN, counsel for the Kaduna State House of Assembly, informed the court of their intention to file a preliminary objection challenging the court's jurisdiction in the case. He requested additional time to complete all necessary filings, a request also echoed by Sule Shauaibu, SAN, representing the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice.
Sule Umoru, counsel for El-Rufai, did not oppose the extension request. Justice R.M Aikawa, presiding over the case, granted the adjournment to allow the respondents to file their applications, including the substantive ones, by the next hearing date.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly's ad hoc committee had previously accused El-Rufai and his appointees of embezzling state funds totaling N423 billion, following an investigation into financial transactions, loans, and contracts awarded during his administration. The committee recommended that the current Governor, Uba Sani, refer El-Rufai and others to appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
The investigation was initiated by the Assembly in April, appointing a 13-member panel chaired by Deputy Speaker Henry Danjuma to probe El-Rufai's tenure. This inquiry came after Governor Sani publicly criticized the financial legacy left by El-Rufai, citing substantial debts and financial liabilities that he inherited.
Governor Sani disclosed during a town hall meeting in Kaduna that despite inheriting a significant debt burden, his administration remained committed to steering the state towards progress and sustainable development.
The legal proceedings underscore the ongoing tensions and accountability issues surrounding past governmental financial practices in Kaduna State.