ADC Chieftain Demands Legal Action or Release of Former Kaduna Governor
A prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress has issued a strong critique of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission's handling of former Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai's detention. Usman Okai Austin, a senior ADC chieftain, has called on the anti-corruption agency to either promptly arraign El-Rufai before a court of law or grant him immediate release from custody.
Contrasting Approaches Between Security Agencies
In a detailed statement made available to media outlets, Austin drew a sharp contrast between the ICPC's current approach and what he described as the more restrained, legally sound conduct of the Department of State Services. The ADC stakeholder specifically praised the DSS for opting to follow proper court procedures rather than resorting to what he characterized as arbitrary detention methods.
"The decision of the DSS to approach a court of law rather than resorting to arbitrary detention is both civil and democratic," Austin stated emphatically. "The proper way to handle such matters is to let the court decide through merit-based arguments. In contrast, the ICPC's current trajectory appears to place the agency above the law."
Concerns Over Due Process and Democratic Norms
The ADC chieftain expressed serious concerns that holding a suspect before completing thorough investigations weakens public confidence in due process and erodes fundamental democratic norms. Austin described El-Rufai's current detention as premature and potentially damaging to Nigeria's legal framework.
"Detaining a suspect before commencing an investigation is a gross abuse of the right to a fair hearing," the statement concluded. "The ICPC must uphold the standards of a civilized society. If there is a case against El-Rufai, let it be argued in court. If not, he must be released immediately."
Questions Surrounding Agency Transfers
Austin raised additional concerns about the unclear circumstances surrounding El-Rufai's transfer between law enforcement agencies. The former governor had initially voluntarily appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, demonstrating what Austin described as clear willingness to cooperate with investigators.
"The EFCC has yet to clarify whether Mallam El-Rufai was officially handed over to the ICPC or re-arrested after being granted administrative bail," Austin noted. "This ambiguity undermines the rule of law and creates unnecessary confusion about proper legal procedures."
The ADC stakeholder pointed to El-Rufai's voluntary appearance before the EFCC as evidence that the former governor posed no flight risk and was cooperating fully with investigative processes. Austin warned that anti-corruption bodies must respect the presumption of innocence if Nigeria's democracy is to deepen and mature properly.
Broader Political Context and Implications
The controversy surrounding El-Rufai's detention occurs against a backdrop of significant political developments in Nigeria. Sources close to opposition circles have confirmed that the former Kaduna governor is not planning to contest any elective position in the upcoming 2027 elections. Instead, these sources indicate El-Rufai remains focused on political mobilization efforts.
According to information from prominent political associates, El-Rufai's current political interests center on organizing opposition to President Bola Tinubu's potential second-term agenda. This context adds additional layers of complexity to the ongoing detention controversy and the calls for proper legal procedures to be followed without delay.
