Charge El-Rufai or Release Him, ADC Chieftain Tells ICPC

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Usman Austin, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to either file charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or grant him release.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Austin expressed concern over the continued detention of the former governor and urged the anti-graft agency to adhere to due process.

He cited the recent approach of the Department of State Services, which he said chose to seek judicial intervention rather than resort to arbitrary detention in handling similar matters.

“The decision of the DSS to approach a court of law rather than resorting to arbitrary detention is both civil and democratic,” Austin said.

He maintained that any allegations against El-Rufai should be tested in court, where both prosecution and defence can present their arguments on merit.

Austin also noted that El-Rufai had previously honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing him as cooperative with investigative authorities.

He, however, raised concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the transfer of the former governor from EFCC custody to the ICPC.

“The EFCC is yet to explain the circumstances of this custody whether Mallam El-Rufai was officially handed over to the ICPC or if he was re-arrested after being granted administrative bail. This ambiguity undermines the rule of law,” he said.

Austin stressed that protecting the rights of the innocent until proven guilty is a fundamental requirement of international best practices.

“Arresting someone before commencing an investigation is a gross abuse of the right to a fair hearing. Anti-corruption agencies must not allow themselves to become willing tools of oppression if they wish to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.

He urged the ICPC to uphold civilised standards, insisting that if a case exists against El-Rufai, it should be argued in court, and if not, he should be released immediately.

El-Rufai was taken into ICPC custody on Wednesday shortly after his release by the EFCC, where he had been held since Monday for questioning.

The ICPC has since confirmed that the former governor remains in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.