Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to international leaders, human rights organisations, and global media outlets to intervene in his prolonged detention. El-Rufai marked his 256th day in detention with a post on his X account, directly calling the attention of US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to his situation. He also tagged the United Nations, UN Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and several international media organisations.
El-Rufai's detention is linked to separate criminal investigations and court proceedings involving allegations of unlawful telephone interception, corruption, and financial misconduct. His detention began in February after he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), before being transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18, 2026.
The ICPC has filed charges against El-Rufai before the Federal High Court and Kaduna State High Court, alleging money laundering, conversion and possession of public property, abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The allegations are linked to a petition by the Kaduna State House of Assembly alleging financial misconduct involving about N432bn during El-Rufai's administration.
El-Rufai's lawyers had urged the court to discharge him, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him. However, the court rejected the application, and adjourned the matter until November 25 for the defence to begin. The former governor has repeatedly questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prosecution, alleging that his ordeal is politically motivated.
El-Rufai's detention has been prolonged, with the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna on October 9 dismissing his challenge against the refusal of his second bail application. The three-member panel held that he failed to establish fresh facts or special circumstances that would justify overturning the decision of the Kaduna State High Court.
The ICPC has defended its actions, insisting that its investigations and detention procedures comply with the law and that the allegations should be determined through the courts. El-Rufai's latest appeal to international institutions adds a diplomatic and human rights dimension to the legal battles, although the intervention he seeks does not alter the ongoing judicial proceedings.
El-Rufai's case has sparked concerns about access to justice and fair trial in Nigeria. His detention has been marked by periods of release, including a brief release in March on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother. The former governor has maintained that he is willing to answer allegations against him through judicial proceedings but has continued to challenge what he considers prolonged detention.
Key points
- El-Rufai appeals to international leaders for fair trial and access to justice
- Former Kaduna Governor faces allegations of corruption and financial misconduct
- El-Rufai's detention has been prolonged, sparking concerns about access to justice
