Businessman and social media influencer Afolabi Kazeem, popularly known as KC Luxury, has applied for Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos to recuse himself from his ongoing trial over alleged cocaine trafficking and money laundering.

Kazeem’s counsel, Emefo Etudo, presented the application on Monday, raising concerns about discrepancies in the court records and the handling of documents filed by the defence.

The lawyer alleged that the court record did not reflect the ruling delivered on October 28, when the judge rejected his client’s application for bail on medical grounds.

He said efforts to obtain a copy of the ruling from the court registry had been unsuccessful, adding that the defence was informed that the judge had yet to sign the document.

Etudo argued that the delay could affect his client’s ability to exercise his right of appeal within the prescribed period.

He also alleged that a reply affidavit filed by the defence had gone missing, questioning the security and proper management of documents submitted to the court.

The counsel further called for improved recording facilities at the Federal High Court, saying verbatim recording equipment would help ensure accurate documentation of proceedings and judicial decisions.

Kazeem was absent from Monday’s sitting, with his lawyer continuing to raise concerns about his health.

The prosecution, represented by Abu Ibrahim, said it would respond appropriately to the recusal application and maintained that the court had treated all parties fairly.

The matter was adjourned until November 25, 2026, for the defence to argue its application. The scheduled hearing dates for the week were also vacated.

Kazeem is standing trial alongside Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch on a 22-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), involving alleged conspiracy, trafficking of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine and money laundering.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The allegations remain before the court and have yet to be established at trial.