Appeal Court Orders Fresh Hearing in El-Rufai Fundamental Rights Case

The Kaduna Division of the Court of Appeal has ordered a fresh hearing in the fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, after nullifying a previous judgment of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Kaduna for breaching his right to fair hearing.

In its ruling delivered on March 17, 2026, the appellate court held that the July 30, 2024 judgment of the FHC violated El-Rufai’s constitutional right to fair hearing, as guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The Court of Appeal consequently set aside the earlier decision and directed the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to reassign the case for a de novo (fresh) hearing before a different judge.

El-Rufai had approached the Federal High Court in Kaduna following his indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly over alleged financial irregularities amounting to about N400 billion. He argued that the Assembly’s ad-hoc committee, set up to probe loans, contracts, and financial transactions of the state government between May 29, 2015, and May 29, 2023, denied him a fair opportunity to defend himself.

According to him, although about 70 individuals were invited and appeared before the committee, he was never invited at any stage before the committee concluded its work and issued a report that indicted him.

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He subsequently challenged both the findings of the Assembly and the actions of the Attorney-General of Kaduna State, alleging a violation of his fundamental human rights, particularly the right to fair hearing.

The Federal High Court had earlier declined jurisdiction over the matter and transferred it to the Kaduna State High Court, a decision that became part of the issues raised on appeal.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal panel comprising Justices Onyekachi Aja Otisi, Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo, and Sybil Nwaka Gbagi found merit in El-Rufai’s appeal.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Otisi stated that the proceedings at the lower court amounted to a denial of fair hearing and therefore rendered the entire judgment a nullity.

The court emphasised that the lower court had a duty to ensure justice was done in accordance with the law and that failure to afford a party the opportunity to be heard invalidates any subsequent decision, regardless of how the proceedings were conducted.

The appellate court further held that since the right to fair hearing was breached, the proceedings of July 18, 2024, as well as the judgment delivered on July 30, 2024, were legally defective and could not stand.

With the nullification, the Court of Appeal ordered that the case be returned to the Federal High Court for retrial before another judge, and directed that each party bear its own costs.

The ruling effectively resets the legal battle between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, allowing both sides to present their arguments afresh under proper judicial procedure.

Legal analysts say the decision underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on due process and constitutional safeguards, particularly the importance of fair hearing in adjudication.

The case is expected to return to the Federal High Court once reassigned, where substantive arguments will be reheard in line with the appellate court’s directive.

Appeal Court Orders Fresh Hearing in El-Rufai Fundamental Rights Case

ISWAP Commander Killed as Troops Foil Adamawa Terror Attack

Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province after killing a top commander, Abou Ameer, during a failed terror attack in Adamawa State.

The ISWAP commander, Abou Ameer, was neutralised after insurgents attempted to overrun a military formation in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State but were repelled by troops in a fierce gun battle.

Security sources said Ameer, who was recently appointed as the Ameer (Qaid) of Pulka, led the operation following the earlier killing of his predecessor, Modu Kunduli, in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attackers were met with coordinated and superior firepower from Nigerian troops, forcing them to retreat after suffering heavy casualties. During the clash, several senior ISWAP figures — including Abu Ali Jango, Jundulla, and Saleh Madagali — reportedly sustained gunshot injuries, further weakening the group’s leadership structure.

Troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, and critical intelligence materials from the scene, reinforcing ongoing counterinsurgency operations in North-East Nigeria.

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The killing of Abou Ameer marks another significant leadership loss for ISWAP, coming shortly after the elimination of his predecessor. Analysts say the rapid turnover in leadership could disrupt the group’s command chain, operational planning, and morale.

Pulka and its surrounding areas have long served as strategic strongholds for ISWAP, making the loss of commanders in the zone particularly damaging to the group’s operational capacity.

Military authorities say the operation reflects improved intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response by Nigerian forces, which have increasingly foiled insurgent attacks in recent months.

Despite the success, security experts warn that ISWAP remains a resilient insurgent group, capable of regrouping and launching further attacks, urging sustained military pressure and community vigilance.

Residents in the region have been advised to remain alert and support security agencies as efforts continue to restore stability and prevent further terrorist incursions.

ISWAP Commander Killed as Troops Foil Adamawa Terror Attack

Fani-Kayode, Dele Momodu Trade Fresh Insults in Escalating Social Media Feud

A renewed war of words has broken out between former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and veteran journalist and former presidential candidate Dele Momodu, with both men exchanging strong personal remarks on social media over political differences and past grievances.

The latest exchange began after Fani-Kayode responded to comments attributed to Momodu on Facebook, where he accused the media entrepreneur of acting as a political “sidekick” to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He also described Momodu in harsh personal terms, intensifying a rivalry that has played out publicly over the years.

In his remarks, Fani-Kayode dismissed Momodu’s political relevance and career trajectory, while also claiming he remains actively engaged in national affairs, referencing ongoing diplomatic engagements involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as evidence of his continued influence.

Momodu fired back via his X (formerly Twitter) account, characterising Fani-Kayode as a “wasted investment” and criticising what he described as a pattern of aggressive public behaviour. He argued that despite Fani-Kayode’s elite academic background, including studies at Cambridge University, his conduct in public discourse has remained controversial and confrontational.

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Momodu further suggested that Fani-Kayode’s temperament changes when out of political power, describing his behaviour as inconsistent with expectations of public figures and urging a more reflective approach.

The exchange quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with users reacting to the tone and content of the remarks. Supporters of both figures amplified the debate, turning the disagreement into a trending topic and adding to the visibility of the feud.

This is not the first public clash between the two personalities, who have long occupied opposing positions in Nigeria’s political and media space. Their disagreements have often centred on political alignment, public commentary, and mutual criticism over the years.

Observers note that such exchanges reflect a broader trend of personalised political discourse in Nigeria, where disagreements between public figures frequently spill over into social media confrontations rather than formal political debates.

The latest confrontation has drawn mixed reactions, with some commentators expressing concern over the use of derogatory language by high-profile figures, while others view the exchange as part of the increasingly unfiltered nature of online political communication.

Analysts suggest that while such disputes may generate engagement online, they also risk overshadowing substantive policy discussions and contributing to heightened political polarisation.

As of the time of reporting, neither party has indicated a willingness to de-escalate, with both maintaining their positions in the ongoing public spat.

Fani-Kayode, Dele Momodu Trade Fresh Insults in Escalating Social Media Feud