Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar demanded the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Friday. He made the call ahead of Eid al-Kabir celebrations.
Atiku Abubakar issued the demand through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu. He described the continued detention of El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission as cruel and unjustifiable.
Atiku Abubakar noted that Muslims across Nigeria prepared for the sacred Eid al-Kabir festival. He argued that the detention denied a citizen his liberty at a time of sacrifice, compassion, and family reunion.
“Mallam El-Rufai, regardless of political differences or shifting alliances, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to the full protection of the Constitution, including his rights to dignity, liberty, and due process,” Atiku Abubakar stated.
Atiku Abubakar condemned the development as a disturbing assault on civil liberties and the rule of law. He warned that the action raised concerns about the deployment of state power to intimidate perceived political adversaries.
He further declared that selective justice amounted to injustice. Atiku Abubakar added that the credibility of any democracy depended on how it treated perceived opponents.
Atiku Abubakar served notice to the authorities detaining Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and other political detainees. He called for their release forthwith.
The former vice president stressed that democracy thrived on tolerance, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law. He warned against intimidation or repression.
El-Rufai faced corruption-related charges. He remained in custody after the ICPC opposed his bail application in court.
