Atiku Abubakar has called on federal and Kaduna State authorities to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention ahead of Eid-el-Kabir as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling.”
The statement, issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, argued that El-Rufai’s detention raises serious concerns about civil liberties, democratic norms, and respect for the rule of law.
Atiku said it was inappropriate for any government to deny a citizen liberty during a period of religious significance, especially without clear demonstration of due process.
He described the situation as politically provocative and warned against the use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents.
Atiku stated that democracy must be judged by how fairly it treats both allies and opponents, adding that selective justice undermines public confidence in governance.
He further stressed that El-Rufai remains entitled to constitutional protections, including dignity, liberty, and due process, regardless of political differences.
“Democracy does not grant the government the licence to punish dissent or settle political scores,” he said.
The call comes days after reports that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
El-Rufai is currently standing trial alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga before Justice Rilwan Aikawa at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
They are facing a 10-count charge involving alleged money laundering, conversion, and possession of proceeds of corruption under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case continues as legal proceedings progress in the Kaduna Federal High Court.
