Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has intensified pressure on federal authorities and the Kaduna State Government over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning that keeping him in custody ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations raises serious concerns about political persecution and abuse of state power.
Atiku, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described El-Rufai’s prolonged detention as “cruel, unjustifiable and deeply troubling,” insisting that democracy must not be reduced to a system where state institutions are deployed against perceived political opponents.
The former vice-president said the detention was particularly disturbing given the spiritual significance of Eid-el-Kabir to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond.
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https://newsvelocityng.com/atiku-demands-el-rufais-release/“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir — a sacred season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness and family reunion — it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause,” Atiku said.
“Eid is a time for mercy, reconciliation and humanity. There is absolutely no justification for keeping a man away from his family during such a solemn occasion, especially where due process has not been clearly demonstrated.”
The demand adds another political dimension to the legal troubles surrounding the former Kaduna governor, whose detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has dominated national political discourse for weeks.
El-Rufai was taken into custody in February after honouring an invitation reportedly linked to investigations into alleged financial improprieties and abuse of office during his tenure as Kaduna governor between 2015 and 2023.
The anti-graft agency later secured remand orders to continue holding the former governor while investigations progressed.
Although Atiku did not directly challenge the authority of anti-corruption agencies to investigate public officials, he argued that authorities must operate within the confines of the Constitution and guarantee transparency in the handling of the case.
“Mallam El-Rufai, regardless of political differences or shifting alliances, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to the full protection of the Constitution, including his rights to dignity, liberty and due process,” he stated.
“Democracy does not grant the government the licence to punish dissent, settle political scores or deploy coercive institutions as instruments of intimidation.”
The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate also warned that selective justice could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and deepen political divisions ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
“The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents,” he added.
The ICPC, however, has repeatedly maintained that due process is being followed in the matter. In March, the commission publicly denied reports that it sought a fresh extension of El-Rufai’s detention, clarifying that its court appearance was only in response to an application filed by the former governor challenging his remand.
According to the commission, El-Rufai’s legal team had asked the court for time to respond to filings made by prosecutors, prompting the adjournment of proceedings.
The former governor and one of his associates are facing allegations bordering on money laundering, conversion of public funds and possession of proceeds of corruption under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants have denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention has continued to trigger reactions across political and civil society circles, with supporters describing the case as politically motivated, while critics insist that the former governor — known for his tough and controversial style while in office — should face the full weight of the law if credible evidence exists.
With the Eid celebrations drawing closer, attention is now shifting to whether the authorities will bow to mounting political pressure or allow the legal process to run its course amid growing scrutiny from opposition figures and rights advocates.
