‘Provide Legal Basis For El-Rufai’s Continued Detention’, Coalition Demands As Ex-Gov Spends 259 Days in Custody

The United Action for Democracy (UAD) has called on the Federal Government to disclose the legal basis for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as the ex-governor reportedly marks 259 days in custody.

The coalition made the demand at a press conference, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of weaponising bail conditions and state institutions to suppress dissent and intimidate perceived political opponents.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Kunle Ajayi and obtained by NAIJAONPOINT, UAD alleged that El-Rufai’s prolonged detention amounted to a violation of his constitutional rights, insisting that any prosecution must be conducted strictly within the confines of the law.

The coalition said it was deeply concerned over reports regarding El-Rufai’s health in detention, alleging that the former governor might not be receiving adequate and timely medical attention.

It also condemned the reported arrest and detention of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing the describing the development as an assault on democracy and the rule of law.

“We strongly condemn the way the Tinubu government has been using the security agencies and the judiciary to shut down opponents and keep many in jail. We are against all oppression,” the statement read.

According to the group, while the fight against corruption remains necessary, it must not be pursued through arbitrary detention, political intimidation or selective justice.

The coalition maintained that the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the rights to personal liberty, dignity, fair hearing and due process, stressing that these rights remain applicable even when an individual is under investigation or facing criminal charges.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, fair hearing, and due process. These rights must be respected even when a person is under investigation or facing criminal allegations,” it said.

UAD therefore called on the relevant authorities to provide “clear and credible information” on the legal basis for El-Rufai’s continued detention and to ensure that all legal proceedings involving him are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

Among its demands, the coalition called for El-Rufai’s immediate release if there is no lawful and compelling judicial basis for his continued detention.

It also demanded that the former governor be granted immediate access to qualified medical personnel and appropriate healthcare, while urging authorities to strictly adhere to constitutional safeguards, including the rights to legal representation, fair hearing, bail where applicable and due process.

The coalition further demanded the immediate release of Professor Bello Abubakar if his continued detention is not backed by a valid court order or any lawful grounds.

It also urged the federal government to avoid actions capable of creating the impression that state institutions are being used for political persecution or selective justice, while calling for transparency and accountability in all investigations and prosecutions involving public officials, regardless of political affiliation.

According to UAD, the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on their independence, impartiality, professionalism and commitment to the rule of law.

The coalition maintained that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, urging the Federal Government, security agencies and prosecuting authorities to ensure that the rights and dignity of El-Rufai and all persons in detention are fully protected.

It also called on civil society organisations, professional bodies, the media and Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue demanding accountability from public institutions.