Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the arrest and continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as a case of political persecution.
Obi made the remarks on Sunday while addressing stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna, where he raised concerns about the implications of the development for Nigeria’s democracy and adherence to the rule of law.
“It is a political persecution. We have a law, and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail,” Obi said.
He further questioned the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention, noting that the former governor returned to the country voluntarily and should not be treated as though he was evading authorities.
El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 18, following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is being investigated over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has also filed charges against the former governor, accusing him of cybercrime. A court hearing on the matter has been scheduled for April 23, 2026.
However, El-Rufai has challenged his detention in court, filing lawsuits against both the DSS and ICPC. His legal team alleges abuse of power, unlawful detention, and misrepresentation before the courts.
His counsel, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, in a letter dated March 6, 2026, accused the ICPC of “abuse of court process” and called for his immediate release.
The former governor’s family has also criticised his continued detention, describing it as unjust and urging the authorities to respect his fundamental rights.
Meanwhile, the ICPC has maintained that El-Rufai’s detention is in line with ongoing investigations, insisting that due process is being followed as it probes the allegations against him.
The case has sparked public debate, with analysts warning that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and the perceived independence of anti-corruption institutions.
