Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to immediately free former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his detention ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as unfair and disturbing.
In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku criticised the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying it violated democratic principles, civil rights, and the rule of law. He warned against using government institutions to harass political opponents.
The former vice president, who is a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress, argued that detaining El-Rufai during a significant Islamic celebration was insensitive and politically motivated.
According to him, Eid-el-Kabir is a period marked by compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, and family unity, stressing that no citizen should be denied freedom without clear justification, especially under circumstances suggesting political persecution.
Atiku stated that keeping El-Rufai away from his family during such an important religious occasion was unacceptable, particularly when due process had not been openly established. He called on authorities to put justice, peace, and national unity above political differences.
He further emphasised that El-Rufai, despite political disagreements or alliances, remains entitled to all constitutional rights, including liberty, dignity, and fair treatment under the law.
Atiku also cautioned that democracy should not be used as a tool to silence dissent or settle political disputes. He insisted that the true strength of any democratic system lies in how it treats critics and perceived opponents rather than loyal supporters.
He added that if El-Rufai’s detention is based on legitimate legal proceedings, the government should be transparent with Nigerians about the process.
The call for his release came days after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission disclosed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai permission to seek medical treatment while in custody.
El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are currently facing a 10-count charge before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna over alleged money laundering, possession of proceeds of corruption, and related financial offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants have denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.