El-Rufai Decries Threats and Smear Campaign in Ongoing Legal Saga
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly voiced concerns over what he describes as a coordinated campaign of threats and malicious actions aimed at tarnishing his reputation and securing his indefinite detention. Through a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai highlighted a series of troubling events that have unfolded since early 2026, signaling a disturbing pattern of harassment and legal manipulation.
Arrest and Detention Details
According to Adekeye, the ordeal began on 12 February 2026, when El-Rufai faced an unwarranted attempt to arrest him upon his arrival at Abuja Airport from Cairo. This incident, he claims, was a precursor to more severe actions. On 16 February 2026, El-Rufai complied with an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was detained and subsequently transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the night of 18 February. As of now, El-Rufai remains in detention and has been arraigned in two separate high courts, facing multiple charges.
Alleged Smear Tactics and Defamation
Adekeye pointed to a recent newspaper headline, "El-Rufai's trial: Gunmen invade principal witness home," as evidence of a smear campaign. The report detailed that Mohammed Umar Karage, a witness in the criminal proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court, reported an invasion of his residence by armed individuals. While Adekeye acknowledged the importance of reporting crimes, he condemned the publication for including innuendos that falsely implicate El-Rufai in a plot to frame or silence witnesses.
The article quoted Karage linking the invasion to his role as a witness in corruption charges against El-Rufai, specifically involving alleged unlawful land revocation and reallocation. It also drew parallels to the controversial disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata, suggesting a broader effort to intimidate. Adekeye asserted that these statements are designed to damage El-Rufai's reputation, jeopardize his pending bail application, and implicate him in serious capital offences, ultimately aiming to keep him detained indefinitely through reprehensible tactics.
Call for Justice and Due Process
In response, El-Rufai has instructed his legal team to initiate defamation proceedings against the publication. Adekeye emphasized that El-Rufai is an upstanding and law-abiding citizen with no connection to the alleged incidents, and he has been subjected to a sustained campaign of vilification since 2023. He highlighted El-Rufai's distinguished record of public service, including his principled opposition to opportunism during the 2022 primaries of the ruling party, which contributed to national unity.
Adekeye stressed that the rule of law must not be perverted into a tool of oppression, and legal processes should serve justice rather than deny fundamental rights. He called for El-Rufai to be accorded full due process as guaranteed by law, urging an immediate end to the persistent disregard for his rights. This case underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria's political and judicial landscape, raising questions about fairness and integrity in high-profile legal battles.
