Date: May 15, 2026 l Reporter: Jan Porch
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on federal authorities and the Kaduna State Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling.”
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, where he warned against the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate political opponents and suppress dissent.
According to the statement, Atiku argued that detaining El-Rufai during one of the most important periods in the Muslim calendar undermines democratic values and violates the principles of justice and due process.
“At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir — a sacred season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and family reunion — it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause,” Atiku reportedly stated.
He further stressed that Eid-el-Kabir represents a period of mercy, reconciliation, and humanity, insisting that there was no justification for keeping El-Rufai away from his family if authorities could not clearly demonstrate adherence to due legal process.
Atiku also warned that selective justice and politically motivated prosecutions could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law. He said democracy should be measured by how fairly governments treat perceived opponents, not only their supporters.
The former vice president urged authorities to provide transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention if legal proceedings were genuinely being followed.
El-Rufai, who has remained in custody for several weeks, is reportedly facing multiple allegations linked to corruption, money laundering, and cybercrime-related offences. Reports indicate that both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been involved in investigations concerning the former governor.
Earlier reports also revealed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna had granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in detention following concerns raised by his legal team over his health condition.
The issue has continued to generate political tension across Nigeria, with opposition figures accusing the government of targeting critics and opposition politicians through selective prosecution.