Audu Maikori Accuses Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Orchestrating His Abduction
Audu Maikori, the founder and chairman of Chocolate City Entertainment Group, has publicly shared disturbing details of what he describes as a personal abduction orchestrated by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. This revelation comes at a time when El-Rufai is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for corruption charges, adding a layer of political intrigue to the allegations.
The Tweet That Sparked the Controversy
During an interview on Arise Television's Prime Time programme, Maikori revisited the incident that led to his arrest years ago. He explained that the entire ordeal began with a tweet he posted, which he later admitted was based on false information provided by his driver. Upon realizing the error, Maikori promptly deleted the tweet and publicly acknowledged his mistake, expecting the matter to be resolved.
However, according to Maikori, the situation escalated far beyond a simple correction. He alleged that despite his efforts to rectify the error, El-Rufai personally arranged for his abduction, bypassing legal channels. "El-Rufai persecuted me for a wrong tweet I acknowledged and took down. He organised for me to be abducted," Maikori stated during the interview.
Distinguishing Persecution from Prosecution
Maikori drew a sharp distinction between being held accountable by the law and being targeted personally. He described his experience as persecution rather than prosecution, emphasizing that prosecution follows established legal procedures, while persecution is driven by personal or political motives. "A governor shouldn't do the job of the police," he asserted, noting that his driver later confessed to lying about the information that had been tweeted.
After being released by the police following an investigation, Maikori claimed that attempts were made to link his deleted tweet to the alleged deaths of seven people, further intensifying what he perceived as a campaign against him. He insisted that the actions taken against him went beyond normal legal recourse, highlighting a pattern of overreach.
Social Media Reactions and Broader Context
The interview has sparked varied reactions on social media, with users expressing both support and skepticism. Some commentators criticized El-Rufai's alleged actions, while others called for evidence-based assessments and due process. This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of El-Rufai's ongoing EFCC probe and his recent political statements urging opposition unity against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Maikori's allegations raise serious questions about the boundaries of political power and the rule of law in Nigeria. As the EFCC continues its investigation into El-Rufai, this case may influence public perception of accountability and justice in the country's political landscape.
