Former Labour Party spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo appeared on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Friday. He alleged that the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai stemmed from political motives.
Okonkwo directly tied the situation to El-Rufai’s move to the African Democratic Congress. “He is being maltreated, he is being persecuted because he has joined ADC, and we are not exculpating anybody,” Okonkwo said.
Nasir El-Rufai remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 19. He had earlier secured release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Additionally, a magistrate court in Bwari granted the ICPC a fresh 14-day detention order on Wednesday. The order allowed probes into alleged money laundering and abuse of office.
Kenneth Okonkwo placed responsibility on President Bola Tinubu. He claimed the president used his authority as commander-in-chief to direct anti-corruption agencies against opposition figures.
“For now, he is using his authority as the commander-in-chief to use the instrumentality of the anti-corruption agencies,” Okonkwo said.
Meanwhile Okonkwo stressed that the government lacked power to detain anyone beyond 48 hours without bail.
Kenneth Okonkwo urged immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai while legal proceedings continued. He insisted that only courts held the power to determine guilt.
“The first thing he should do is to release El-Rufai,” Okonkwo added. “We are not saying he should not face trial, but his fundamental human rights should be guaranteed.”
He further argued that detention for investigation violated the constitution and Supreme Court rulings.
