Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir el‑Rufai has intensified his legal and political battle with federal authorities by petitioning the Chief Justice of Nigeria over what he regards as serious misconduct by a serving Federal High Court judge and a broader pattern of perceived judicial unfairness. The development comes amid a highly charged backdrop of his prolonged detention, accusations of political persecution, and sharp public commentary from opposition figures including Peter Obi.
El‑Rufai’s petition to the Chief Justice was submitted after what he said was a long delay in action on a complaint he initially filed under Nigeria’s judicial discipline regulations. In his letter, he accused the judge of bias and of making rulings that undermined fair hearing in cases involving his associates. He expressed frustration that, despite assurances from the National Judicial Council that his complaint was being processed, no resolution had been communicated and the judge continued to preside over matters connected to his legal struggles. El‑Rufai asked the Chief Justice to intervene and consider reassigning the cases to preserve confidence in the judiciary.
The petition arrived against a backdrop of intense legal and political tension surrounding El‑Rufai’s detention. He was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission after initially reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. His lawyers have challenged the legality of his extended detention, arguing that the remand order used to justify his continued confinement had expired and that no formal charges had been filed within the constitutionally mandated period. They say the prolonged detention without charge violates due process and called for either his release or prompt arraignment.
El‑Rufai has publicly framed his ordeal as political persecution. He has refused to answer questions outside of court proceedings, maintaining that he will only engage formally before a competent court. His legal team has also criticised what they describe as orchestrated media leaks alleging property ownership abroad, which they say are aimed at damaging his reputation and justifying his detention without substantive legal grounding.
These developments have drawn strong reactions from across Nigeria’s political and civil society spectrum. Prominent public figures have criticised the federal government’s handling of the case, describing it as a disregard for constitutional rights and an erosion of the rule of law. Civil society organisations have urged strict adherence to due process, emphasising that investigative detention must lead to either filing of charges or release in a timely manner as guaranteed by the constitution.
The African Democracy Congress, the party with which El‑Rufai is now aligned after leaving his former party, has accused the government of practising selective justice aimed at weakening political opposition. The party expressed support for both El‑Rufai and former Attorney‑General Abubakar Malami, who has also faced legal scrutiny, warning that their treatment risks turning anti‑corruption efforts into tools of political intimidation.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi weighed in with sharp criticism, characterising the actions against El‑Rufai and others as blatant political persecution disguised as criminal prosecution. Obi cited the timing of the arrests and continued detentions as highly suspect, given that these figures were active in opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that the use of law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies as instruments of political pressure damages public confidence in the justice system and threatens democratic norms at a critical political juncture.
Obi also highlighted concerns over bail, arguing that the refusal to grant bail or the imposition of draconian conditions suggests motives beyond legitimate law enforcement. While affirming his support for the fight against corruption, he stressed that it must be conducted with integrity, transparency and equality before the law, beginning with those currently in power rather than appearing to target political opponents.
In response to criticism, the anti‑corruption agency secured a fresh court order to extend El‑Rufai’s detention to allow for further investigation. The order, which authorises continued custody for an additional period, is legally contested by El‑Rufai’s defence team, who maintain it is an attempt to circumvent constitutional safeguards.
The controversy highlights broader anxieties in Nigeria over the intersection of law, politics and governance. Critics of the government argue that detaining political figures without timely charges and repeatedly transferring them between investigative agencies undermines judicial independence and can be perceived as weaponising state power. Supporters of the anti‑graft efforts maintain that investigations are lawful and necessary, but the opacity and timing of actions have fuelled public distrust.
As Nigeria moves closer to its next election cycle, the handling of El‑Rufai’s case is likely to remain a focal point in debates about rule of law, accountability and political competition.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments