Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a powerful appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, demanding the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, who has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 2026. In a statement issued on Friday, May 15, 2026, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described El‑Rufai’s continued detention as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling,” especially as Muslims across Nigeria prepare to celebrate Eid al‑Kabir, a sacred season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness and family reunion.
Atiku argued that denying El‑Rufai his liberty during such a spiritually significant occasion constitutes a disturbing assault on civil liberties, democratic decency, and the rule of law. “At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid Kabir — a sacred season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and family reunion — it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause, particularly in circumstances that raise legitimate concerns about political persecution,” the statement read. The former vice president also warned that selective justice is injustice and that “the credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents.”
El‑Rufai was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, before being transferred to ICPC custody on February 18. He faces multiple corruption charges, including a 10‑count charge bordering on money laundering, possession of proceeds of corruption and unlawful conversion of public funds. The ICPC has accused the former governor of allegedly receiving an inflated severance package of N289 million at the end of each of his two terms in office, totalling approximately N579.7 million, instead of the approved N40 million. He is also facing separate investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged telephone interception involving national security.
On March 27, 2026, the ICPC granted El‑Rufai a temporary compassionate release to enable him to attend the funeral of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El‑Rufai, who died in Cairo, Egypt. Prominent figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Governor Uba Sani attended the funeral prayers. However, after the burial, the former governor was re‑arraigned and returned to ICPC custody pending the conclusion of his bail applications. The Kaduna State High Court has twice refused bail to El‑Rufai. In its ruling, the court noted that the prosecution had raised credible concerns about flight risk, obstruction of lawful arrest, refusal to surrender travel documents and electronic devices, and the possibility of interference with witnesses and ongoing investigations. The court also dismissed unsubstantiated health claims for lack of evidence. Despite this, El‑Rufai’s legal team has filed a fresh bail application, which the ICPC has formally opposed.
Atiku’s demand for El‑Rufai’s release comes amid growing allegations from opposition figures that the Tinubu administration is using state security agencies to settle political scores. In March, Atiku visited former Attorney‑General Abubakar Malami, who is himself facing money laundering charges alongside his wife and son, and demanded the release of all “political detainees,” including El‑Rufai. Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, has previously alleged that “Tinubu’s desperate attempt to cripple opposition forces” is behind El‑Rufai’s prolonged detention. El‑Rufai was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a key supporter of President Tinubu’s 2023 election. However, he fell out with the APC leadership after he was denied a ministerial appointment and later resigned from the party, joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and later aligning with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). His critics argue that the charges against him predate his political realignment, while his supporters maintain that the timing and intensity of the prosecutions are politically motivated.
As the Muslim faithful prepare for Eid al‑Kabir, expected to fall around May 27, 2026, Atiku has urged the authorities to rise above political bitterness and act in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion. “Eid is a time for mercy, reconciliation, and humanity. There is absolutely no justification for keeping a man away from his family during such a solemn and spiritually significant occasion, especially where due process has not been clearly demonstrated,” the statement added. Whether President Tinubu or Governor Uba Sani will respond to Atiku’s appeal remains to be seen. For now, El‑Rufai remains in ICPC custody as his legal team continues to seek bail.
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