KADUNA, Nigeria — Protests broke out across Kaduna State on Wednesday as youth groups called for the immediate release of former governor Nasir El-Rufai, threatening a one-million-man march in Abuja if he remains in custody. Demonstrators said El-Rufai’s prolonged detention, despite ongoing court proceedings, raises serious concerns about due process and fairness.
The protests, involving women, youths, and elders, took place in Kaduna metropolis and Southern Kaduna, including Kafanchan. Demonstrators carried placards reading “Free El-Rufai Now” and “Kaduna Demands Governance, Not Revenge,” temporarily disrupting traffic at strategic locations.
Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, a leader of the Arewa youth movement, described the detention as “unjust and politically motivated” and warned that failure to release the former governor could lead to further mass mobilisation within the law.
Arrest, Custody, and Investigations
El-Rufai, who returned to Nigeria earlier this month, initially reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16 following an invitation. He was later transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, where he remains under investigation over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor (2015–2023), including a 2024 House of Assembly report accusing him of diverting N423 billion.
Separately, the Department of State Services filed criminal charges against him for alleged phone tapping and cybercrime. However, El-Rufai was not produced in court for arraignment on Wednesday, leading Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to adjourn the matter to April 23.
The DSS counsel clarified that El-Rufai has never been in DSS custody, noting that he was transferred from the EFCC to ICPC. El-Rufai’s lawyers argued for bail, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and constitutional provisions, asserting that extended detention without charge constitutes oppressive behaviour.
Details of DSS Charges
The three-count DSS charge alleges that on February 13, El-Rufai:
- Admitted during an interview on Arise TV to unlawfully intercepting phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), contravening Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
- Claimed knowledge of individuals unlawfully intercepting NSA communications without reporting them, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Act.
- Used technical equipment or systems that compromised public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act.
El-Rufai has filed a motion to strike out the case, arguing that it discloses no offence known to law, and seeks N2 billion in costs against the DSS.
Health Concerns and Human Rights
Questions have been raised over El-Rufai’s welfare, including a reported nosebleed while in ICPC custody. The ICPC insists he is lawfully detained and refutes claims of injury. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar called for bail if his health and rights cannot be guaranteed, emphasizing transparency on which agency currently has custody.
Legal experts, including Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) and Ebuka Nweze Esq, highlighted that Nigerian law generally limits detention before arraignment to 24–48 hours, although extensions can be granted by magistrates under certain circumstances.
Political Reactions
The opposition coalition African Democratic Congress expressed disappointment, arguing that El-Rufai’s alleged offence is bailable and condemning what they described as a government tactic to keep him detained. Political analyst Dr. Kabiru Sufi suggested that the simultaneous involvement of EFCC, ICPC, and DSS could indicate political undertones, particularly given El-Rufai’s vocal stance on national issues.
Dr. Sufi stressed the need for adherence to due process and cautioned against speculation, noting that the judiciary will determine outcomes once the case is properly before the courts.
