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

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

Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan, Holds Eid al-Fitr Prayer Over Moon Sighting Dispute

A Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Musa Lukuwa, has sparked fresh controversy after leading his followers in Eid al-Fitr prayers on Thursday, defying the official directive of the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, who declared Friday as the nationwide date for the celebration.

The cleric conducted the Eid prayer at his mosque in Mabera, a community in Sokoto, around 9:10 a.m., with a large turnout of worshippers who aligned with his position on the moon sighting marking the end of Ramadan.

The Sultan, who doubles as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had earlier announced that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria. Based on this, Muslims across the country were instructed to complete 30 days of fasting, with Eid al-Fitr scheduled for Friday.

However, Lukuwa rejected the declaration, insisting that credible reports confirmed the moon had been sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic. According to him, geographical proximity and the reliability of those reports justified celebrating Eid earlier.

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“Niger Republic is very close to us—about 100 kilometres away. If we accept reports from cities like Kano or even Lagos, which are farther away, there is no reason to reject confirmed sightings from a neighbouring country,” he stated.

The cleric emphasised that his decision was based on Islamic teachings rather than a challenge to the Sultan’s authority. He noted that while his group typically follows the Sultan’s guidance on the start and end of Ramadan, verified moon sightings must take precedence.

Lukuwa also cited historical precedents, referencing respected Islamic scholar Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi, who played a key role in moon sighting declarations before the process was centralised under the Sultan to promote unity among Muslims.

Reports indicate that Lukuwa informed his followers about the reported moon sighting around midnight and directed them to assemble for prayers the next morning. This marks another instance where the cleric and his congregation have diverged from the Sultan’s official position on Eid celebrations, reflecting ongoing debates over moon sighting practices in Nigeria.

The development highlights broader differences in Islamic jurisprudence regarding whether to rely solely on local moon sightings or accept verified reports from nearby countries. Religious authorities, including the NSCIA, have repeatedly stressed the importance of unity and adherence to centralised announcements to avoid division during major Islamic festivals.

Despite the disagreement, there have been no reports of unrest, and the majority of Nigerian Muslims are expected to observe Eid al-Fitr on Friday in line with the Sultan’s directive.

Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan, Holds Eid al-Fitr Prayer Over Moon Sighting Dispute