ADC Chieftain Calls for Immediate Resolution of El‑Rufai’s Detention

A senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Usman Austin, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to either formally charge former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai in court or set him free. Austin expressed concern over the length and uncertainty surrounding El‑Rufai’s detention, urging authorities to follow established legal procedures and respect civil rights.

In a statement shared on Saturday, Austin pointed to the example of the Department of State Services (DSS), which he said had recently taken suspects to court instead of holding them in prolonged custody without clear charges. According to him, following proper judicial processes is essential in a democratic society.

Austin emphasised that if there are credible allegations against El‑Rufai, they should be tested in a court of law so both sides can present their arguments. If there is no valid case, the former governor should be released immediately. He described arbitrary detention as a violation of fundamental rights and said anti‑corruption agencies should avoid actions that could erode public confidence in the rule of law.

El‑Rufai was first taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but was later transferred to the ICPC, where he remains amid ongoing investigations. The specifics of the allegations against him have not been publicly confirmed, and his legal team is seeking clarity on the reasons for his continued detention.