Protests Erupt in Kaduna as Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai Remains Detained
Kaduna, Nigeria – Demonstrations erupted in Kaduna on Wednesday, fueled by widespread anger over the continued detention of former governor Nasir El-Rufai. Youth groups across the city rallied together, demanding his immediate release and threatening a mass mobilization to Abuja if he remains in custody.
El-Rufai’s detention has drawn significant public scrutiny, particularly concerning the ongoing court proceedings surrounding his case. Protesters voiced their concerns about potential violations of due process, labeling the situation as unjust and escalating tensions not only within Kaduna but throughout the country.
Opposition leaders have described the former governor’s arrest as part of a systematic effort to silence opposition figures. They have highlighted the recent detention of Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General, as emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent.
The protests coincided with the inability of the Department of State Services (DSS) to present El-Rufai in court for his arraignment on charges, including alleged phone tapping and cybercrime. Demonstrators from various communities in Kaduna gathered in key locations throughout the capital, chanting slogans such as “Free El-Rufai Now” and “Justice for Our Leader.”
Placards carried by the protesters also conveyed messages like “Kaduna Demands Governance, Not Revenge,” with a diverse group including women, youth, and elderly supporters of El-Rufai visibly participating. Gatherings temporarily disrupted traffic on major economic corridors, prompting a security presence to maintain order, although reports of clashes were absent.
In Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area, a similar peaceful rally reported support for El-Rufai from local youth groups.
During the protests, Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, a leader of the Arewa youth movement, reiterated the call for El-Rufai’s unconditional release. “We are here to express our dissatisfaction with his continued detention. Justice must not only be served but must be apparent to all,” he insisted. Sanusi warned that failure to address their demands could prompt broader actions, including plans for a one-million-man march in Abuja.
El-Rufai’s legal troubles began when he voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16 following an invitation. His arrival, however, was marred by an incident involving security personnel at the airport. Following two days of interrogation, he was transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he has remained while facing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during his governorship from 2015 to 2023.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had previously indicted El-Rufai for purported financial improprieties amounting to a diversion of ₦423 billion. He has consistently refuted these allegations.
Meanwhile, the DSS’s failure to produce him in court for a scheduled arraignment on Wednesday led to an adjournment of the hearings to April 23. At this session, representatives argued over the status of his detention, with the DSS indicating he remained with the ICPC for further investigations. This situation has raised questions about procedural integrity in El-Rufai’s and the broader legal context.
In light of the ongoing turmoil, there are rising concerns about El-Rufai’s health. Claims about his medical condition led to calls for transparency from various quarters, including prominent figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. He emphasized that the government owes Nigerians clarity regarding the custody and treatment of the former governor.
Concerns about El-Rufai’s welfare and rights amidst detention came to the forefront when his media aide revealed incidents of health issues while in custody. This has only intensified the urgency surrounding calls for his release, particularly as legal representatives express frustration over restricted access to him.
Political analysts have pointed to possible political motivations behind the multiple investigations involving El-Rufai, citing the simultaneous actions of various government agencies. The juxtaposition of these investigations with El-Rufai’s vocal critiques of national policies raises questions about the integrity of the legal process.
As protests continue and public interest remains high, the situation is rapidly evolving, promising to keep Kaduna in the spotlight. El-Rufai’s fate now depends on the judicial and political dynamics at play in Nigeria.
— Reported by Nexio News
