RismadarVoice Reporters
May 15, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as “cruel, unjustifiable and deeply troubling.”
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, where he warned against the use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents.
The former vice president said detaining El-Rufai during a sacred Islamic period dedicated to sacrifice, compassion and family reunion raises serious concerns about political persecution and disregard for due process.
“At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause,” Atiku said.
He further stated that democracy should not be used as a tool for political vendetta, stressing that the credibility of any democratic government is measured by how fairly it treats perceived opponents.
Atiku also urged authorities to be transparent if El-Rufai’s detention is based on legitimate legal proceedings, insisting that Nigerians deserve clarity on the matter.
The demand comes amid the ongoing legal battle involving El-Rufai, who is standing trial alongside Joel Adoga before a Federal High Court in Kaduna over alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A Federal High Court in Kaduna had earlier granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody following an application by his defence team.
