Kenneth Okonkwo Claims El-Rufai's Detention Is Politically Motivated Due to ADC Membership

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused the government of politically motivating the prolonged detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, linking it to his membership in the opposition party.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Okonkwo denounced El-Rufai's continued detention as a breach of his constitutional rights.

"He is being mistreated and persecuted because he joined the ADC, and we blame no one but the authorities," Okonkwo stated, directly implicating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in El-Rufai's plight.

"Currently, he is misusing his powers as commander-in-chief to exploit anti- corruption agencies, which raises questions about the integrity of such bodies in Tinubu's administration," he added.

Okonkwo contended that holding El-Rufai without formal charges is a violation of fundamental human rights, arguing that law enforcement agencies lack the jurisdiction to detain individuals indefinitely under the guise of ongoing investigations.

"Such actions are unlawful, and any directive to that effect is unconstitutional. If El-Rufai has committed a crime, he should face trial, be granted bail, and if found guilty, then so be it; nobody within the ADC will oppose the rule of law," he remarked.

He further expressed that arrests should only occur after investigations are concluded.

"A proper arrest follows a thorough investigation that substantiates allegations against a person. It is up to the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused, not the accused to prove innocence," he elaborated.

Since February 19, El-Rufai has been held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), following his previous release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On Wednesday, a magistrate court in Bwari, Abuja issued a new 14-day detention order for the ICPC as inquiries into claims of money laundering and misuse of office remain ongoing. His family has criticized the continued detainment, advocating for his release.