Kaduna, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal has nullified the Federal High Court ruling in Kaduna concerning a suit filed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai against the State House of Assembly, citing violations of his right to a fair hearing.
In its judgment, marked CA/K/240/2024, the appellate court held that the trial court proceedings were invalid because El-Rufai was not served with a hearing notice and was denied the opportunity to respond to the respondents’ counter-affidavit. The court ruled that these procedural lapses violated due process.
As a result, the Court of Appeal set aside the July 30, 2024, ruling by Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, declaring that the lower court lacked jurisdiction. The case has been ordered to return to the Federal High Court for reassignment to a different judge and a fresh hearing.
The decision reinforces the principle that all parties must be granted adequate notice and opportunity to participate in legal proceedings, upholding constitutional guarantees of fair trial.
