Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, describing his detention as unjust and politically motivated.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Friday urged federal and Kaduna State authorities to release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described El-Rufai’s continued detention as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling.”
He warned against using state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents and said democracy must protect civil liberties and 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,” he said.
Atiku added that authorities should be transparent if El-Rufai’s detention followed due legal process.
El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.
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