Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has stated that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently paying the price for his misgovernance and irresponsibility during his eight-year tenure. Sani made these remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to concerns that El-Rufai had become a “prisoner of conscience” amid his ongoing detention and legal battles. El-Rufai has been in custody since February 2026.
El-Rufai's detention is linked to separate cases involving alleged financial misconduct and the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. A Federal High Court in Abuja recently reserved ruling on his no-case submission in the wiretapping case and adjourned the matter until October 26. Sani, having personally spent over four years in prison as a pro-democracy activist, claimed familiarity with the pains of detention.
Sani emphasized that El-Rufai's situation should be viewed in light of his conduct as governor between 2015 and 2023. He alleged that El-Rufai's administration had little regard for the rule of law, disregarding court orders and using state institutions against critics and opponents. According to Sani, El-Rufai is paying the price for his actions while in office.
The former lawmaker cited several instances of individuals being arrested and detained during El-Rufai's administration for criticizing the government. These included Luka Binyat, a journalist with Vanguard, who was arrested and jailed for writing about the Kaduna State Government. Sani also mentioned Christian leaders from Kajuru Local Government Area who were arrested after protesting the killing of their leader.
Sani further alleged that Islamic clerics from Zaria were arrested after protesting the retrenchment of workers from the Kaduna State civil service. He also mentioned John Danfulani, a lecturer at Kaduna State University, who was arrested and jailed for criticizing El-Rufai, and Maida Joseph, a LEADERSHIP newspaper reporter, who was arrested over a report published by the newspaper.
The former senator also mentioned that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria spent several years in detention during El-Rufai's tenure, with efforts to secure their release being frustrated. Sani warned that those in power often forget that their time in office is temporary and that they will eventually be held accountable.
Sani rejected suggestions that El-Rufai's record on security in Kaduna State was being unfairly criticized. El-Rufai has been in custody for over 200 days. Sani's comments come as concerns grow over El-Rufai's detention and its implications for his legacy as a former governor.
Key points
- El-Rufai's detention is linked to alleged financial misconduct and unlawful interception of communications.
- Sani alleges El-Rufai's administration disregarded court orders and used state institutions against critics.
- El-Rufai has been in custody since February 2026.
