Protests Erupt Over El-Rufai's Ongoing Detention

The ongoing detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, led to widespread protests on Wednesday across Kaduna, where youth groups demanded his swift release and threatened to organize a one-million-man march in Abuja should he remain incarcerated.

The protestors argued that the former governor's extended detention, despite court proceedings still in progress, raises significant questions regarding due process and justice. They viewed this situation as unjust, cautioning that a further delay in addressing the issue might exacerbate political tensions within the state and possibly nationwide.

El-Rufai’s detention has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who characterize it as part of a broader effort to suppress dissenting voices. They noted the recent arrest and arraignment of Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, as indicative of an ongoing campaign against prominent opposition figures.

The demonstrations coincided with the Department of State Services (DSS) failing to present the opposition coalition member accused of phone tapping and cyber offenses in court for his arraignment.

Protesters from various communities in and around Kaduna converged at key locations, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages like “Free El-Rufai Now” and “Justice for Our Leader.” Other messages included “Kaduna Demands Governance, Not Revenge.” The group comprised men and women of all ages, including elderly supporters of the former governor.

Traffic was temporarily disrupted at the Western Bypass, a critical economic corridor, as security personnel were deployed to oversee the protests and prevent any outbreak of violence. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of clashes.

A similar peaceful demonstration took place in Kafanchan, where youths from Southern Kaduna expressed their solidarity with the former governor.

Speaking during the protest, Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, a representative of the Arewa youth movement, condemned El-Rufai's detention, asserting it to be politically motivated. “We are here to express our dissatisfaction with the continued detention of our leader,” Sanusi stated. He demanded El-Rufai's immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that justice must not only occur but also be perceivable.

Sanusi warned that if authorities did not respond to their calls for action, there would be an escalation in protests. “Should this situation remain unchanged, Kaduna youths will be compelled to escalate our actions, within the law,” he remarked, adding that they would mobilize for a significant march in Abuja if El-Rufai is not freed.

On February 16, El-Rufai, who had returned to Nigeria recently, reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after receiving an invitation from the agency. His visit followed a tense encounter with law enforcement at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where attempts were made to detain him.

Just two days after meeting with the EFCC, El-Rufai was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he continues to be held. Investigations into alleged financial misconduct during his governance from 2015 to 2023 are currently ongoing.

In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly implicated him in the alleged misappropriation of N423 billion in public funds and called for an inquiry. El-Rufai, however, has consistently maintained his innocence.

In other developments, the DSS postponed El-Rufai's arraignment on criminal charges due to his absence from the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik pushed the matter to April 23, clarifying that the DSS informed the court that he was still in ICPC custody for separate investigations.

DSS counsel Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN) reported that El-Rufai's ongoing investigations did not allow for his court production.

Although El-Rufai's lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), did not oppose the adjournment, he moved for bail, citing Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He argued that bail applications can be heard before formal arraignment.

Despite these arguments, the DSS counsel opposed the bail application, deeming it premature. The DSS also clarified that El-Rufai was never in their custody, having initially been detained by the EFCC before being turned over to the ICPC.

Further complicating the situation are the serious allegations against El- Rufai, which include claims of unlawfully intercepting communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. These claims were made during an interview on Arise TV and led to several charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.

El-Rufai is now pursuing a separate legal action to dismiss the charges citing a lack of any corresponding offences under the law.

Amid growing concerns regarding El-Rufai's health, the ICPC has insisted that he is being lawfully detained, denying rumors about his alleged bleeding while in custody. The agency stated their investigations are ongoing, and charges will be presented when appropriate.

Aside from concerns expressed by his legal representatives, former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar has also called on the federal government to ensure El-Rufai's safety, transparency about his detention, and to provide clarification on which agency is holding him.

Legal practitioners stressed the constitutional provisions related to the detention of suspects and underscored the requirement that individuals cannot be held longer than 48 hours without formal charges.

As protests and political tensions continue, parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have expressed dissatisfaction with the legal progress surrounding El-Rufai's case, reinforcing accusations of governmental manipulation.

Political analyst Dr. Kabiru Sufi cautioned against viewing the multiple investigations from various agencies as free from political implications, pointing out that they coincide with El-Rufai’s outspoken nature concerning national issues. He advocated for adherence to legal protocols and the need for formal arraignments within the prescribed time limits.