Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday called on federal authorities and the Kaduna State Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling.”
Atiku called the scenario a violation of civil liberties, democratic values, and the rule of law, warning against using state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents.
Phrank Shaibu, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, issued a statement outlining the position.
The African Democratic Congress chieftain described El-Rufai’s extended arrest as politically provocative and contrary to the norms of justice and democracy.
He said, “At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world 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 weaponize state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause, particularly in circumstances that raise legitimate concerns about political persecution.
“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 and spiritually significant occasion, especially where due process has not been clearly demonstrated.
“I therefore call for the immediate release of Mallam El-Rufai and urge all relevant authorities to rise above political bitterness and act in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion.”
Atiku stated that the federal government and Kaduna State authorities must ensure that democracy is judged by how fairly perceived opponents are treated, warning that selective justice undermines confidence in the rule of law.
He mentioned that if the former Kaduna governor is being detained through a legal process, authorities should be transparent with Nigerians.
The demand comes just one week after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission revealed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna had given El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in detention.
The verdict came in response to a petition made by defense lawyers during the former governor’s ongoing trial for alleged money laundering and corruption.
El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga are facing a 10-count charge before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna for alleged conversion and possession of corruption proceeds, as well as money laundering in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to their allegations.
“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.
“Democracy does not grant the government the license to punish dissent, settle political scores, or deploy coercive institutions as instruments of intimidation.
“The Federal Government and the Kaduna State authorities must understand that selective justice is injustice. The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists but by how it treats perceived opponents,” he said.
