By - Habeeb Ibrahim
With about 75 days to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), despite renewed calls for a fair trial.
El-Rufai, who has emerged as a prominent opposition figure and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has spent more than eight months in detention amid ongoing criminal proceedings over alleged financial misconduct and unlawful telephone interception.
The former governor renewed his demand for a fair trial on Friday, October 30, marking 256 days in detention.
In a statement shared on his official X account, he described a fair trial as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege or favour.
His latest appeal comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
El-Rufai has also called on international leaders, human rights organisations and global media outlets, including United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, the United Nations and Amnesty International, to draw attention to his detention.
His legal battles include a case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
On October 26, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his no-case submission and ordered him to enter his defence. The court adjourned the matter until November 25.
He is also facing separate proceedings instituted by the ICPC over alleged financial misconduct during his administration of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
The allegations followed a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which raised concerns over the management of about N423 billion to N432 billion during his eight-year tenure.
El-Rufai has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
His efforts to secure release have also suffered setbacks. On October 9, the Court of Appeal dismissed his challenge against the refusal of his second bail application, affirming the earlier decision of the Kaduna State High Court.
The prolonged detention has continued to attract reactions from his supporters and opposition figures, some of whom have questioned the circumstances surrounding his continued custody.
However, the ICPC has maintained that its actions are backed by court orders and that the allegations against the former governor should be determined through judicial proceedings.
With the presidential election approaching, El-Rufai’s legal situation remains a significant development surrounding one of the prominent figures associated with the opposition ADC.
INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
