The Court of Appeal has set aside a High Court judgment that had ordered the forfeiture of N2.6 billion belonging to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai.
The appellate court ruled that the earlier judgment was defective and lacked sufficient legal basis for the forfeiture order.
In the disputed case, the High Court had ruled that El‑Rufai’s companies failed to justify the source of the funds, leading to the forfeiture directive.
El‑Rufai challenged that ruling, arguing that the decision was unjust and that due process was not followed.
After reviewing the appeal, the court agreed with his arguments and nullified the forfeiture order.
The judgment has now been sent back to the lower court for further proceedings consistent with the appeal court’s directives.
Legal experts said the ruling underscores the importance of proper procedure and evidence in financial crime cases.
Supporters of El‑Rufai welcomed the appeal court’s decision, saying it reaffirmed respect for the rule of law.
