Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised the alarm over what he described as “malicious orchestrations” targeted at him amid his ongoing detention.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai alleged that attempts to arrest him upon his arrival at the Abuja airport from Cairo on February 12, 2026, signalled a broader plan to keep him in custody indefinitely.
According to the statement, the alleged scheme is aimed at securing his prolonged detention through questionable means, describing such actions as unacceptable against a citizen who has contributed significantly to national development.
The former governor maintained that the rule of law must not be manipulated to oppress citizens, stressing that legal processes should uphold justice rather than undermine fundamental rights.
He called for strict adherence to due process, insisting that his rights as guaranteed by law must be respected.
The statement recalled that El-Rufai had honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, after which he was detained and later transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on February 18.
It added that he remains in detention and has since been arraigned before two separate high courts.
The statement also faulted a media report alleging that gunmen invaded the residence of a principal witness in one of the cases against him, describing the publication as misleading and suggestive of an attempt to implicate him.
It noted that the report linked the incident to the witness’ role in the ongoing trial, including allegations surrounding the unlawful revocation and reallocation of land.
While acknowledging the responsibility of citizens to report crimes, the statement criticised what it termed the publication of unverified claims capable of damaging reputations.
It further argued that the report was intended to tarnish El-Rufai’s image, weaken his pending bail application, and associate him with serious criminal allegations.
“El-Rufai is a law-abiding citizen with no connection whatsoever to the incidents described. He has directed his legal team to commence defamation proceedings,” the statement said.
It added that since 2023, the former governor had been subjected to sustained attacks and smear campaigns, despite what it described as his longstanding record of public service and commitment to national unity.
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