El-Rufai: HURMA Criticises Reported Rights Violations, Warns Against Political Persecution

The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), has called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, condemning what it described as the violation of his fundamental human rights and warning against actions capable of creating the impression of political persecution.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, the group said it was deeply disturbed by reports that El-Rufai remained in custody despite concerns over his deteriorating health and alleged denial of prompt and adequate medical attention.

According to the organisation, the reports raise serious constitutional and human rights issues that require urgent attention.

These reports raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns and call for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities,” Isiak said.

He stressed that the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the rights to personal liberty, dignity, fair hearing and access to necessary medical care while in custody.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, fair hearing, and access to necessary medical care while in custody.

” These rights are further protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party,” he stated.

While maintaining that no citizen should be above the law, HURMA insisted that the enforcement of the law must not come at the expense of constitutional rights.

“While HURMA firmly maintains that no individual is above the law, we equally insist that no Nigerian should be subjected to arbitrary detention, selective justice, political intimidation, or treatment that undermines his or her constitutional rights. The fight against corruption or the prosecution of any alleged offence must never become a justification for violating fundamental human rights,” the statement added.

The organisation consequently outlined a number of demands, urging the authorities to act in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.

Among its demands, HURMA called for “the release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai where there is no lawful and compelling judicial basis for his continued detention.”

It also demanded “immediate and unrestricted access to qualified medical personnel and appropriate healthcare to safeguard his life and well-being.”

The group further urged “strict compliance with all constitutional safeguards relating to arrest, detention, bail, fair hearing, and due process,” while calling for “an end to any action capable of creating the impression that state institutions are being deployed for political persecution or intimidation.”

HURMA maintained that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on strict adherence to the rule of law and due process.

“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. The credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on their impartiality, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Any departure from these principles erodes public confidence in the justice system and weakens democratic governance,” the statement read.