Atiku demands El-Rufai’s release ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the federal government and the Kaduna State Government to release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as “cruel, unjustifiable and deeply troubling.”

Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said detaining El-Rufai during a period meant for compassion, forgiveness and family reunion was inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.

El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are currently facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and possession of proceeds of corruption before the Federal High Court in Kaduna. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But Atiku, presidential aspirant on the ADC platform warned against the use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents, insisting that democracy should not be used as a tool for political persecution.

“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, it would be unconscionable for any government to deny a citizen his liberty without just cause,” Atiku said.

He added that if El-Rufai’s detention followed due legal process, authorities should be transparent with Nigerians.

The former vice president stressed that El-Rufai remained entitled to his constitutional rights, including dignity, liberty and fair hearing, regardless of political differences.