Human Rights Lawyer Warns Against Rushed Prosecution of El-Rufai

A human rights lawyer and activist, Comrade Marshal Abubakar, has urged caution over the three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. Abubakar warned that while the former governor must face justice, a poorly coordinated prosecution could ultimately allow him to evade accountability.

In a statement titled “My Take on the Charges Filed Against Nasir El-Rufai,” Abubakar said he had reviewed the charge sheet and was concerned that the approach adopted by the DSS might undermine the broader quest for justice regarding alleged abuses during El-Rufai’s tenure.

According to the rights lawyer, the record of alleged violations under the former governor’s administration is extensive and well-documented, stretching beyond the immediate charges now before the court.

Catalogue of Alleged Abuses

Abubakar recalled the December 2015 clashes between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, which left hundreds of Shi’ites dead. He alleged that the killings occurred under the authority of the Kaduna State Government and that victims were buried in shallow graves at Mando.

“Under his watch and command, hundreds of our Shiite brothers were killed between December 2 and 5, 2015, in Zaria and buried in shallow graves at Mando, Kaduna,” the statement read.

Abubakar described El-Rufai’s years in office as tyrannical, accusing him of presiding over a climate of fear and impunity. He listed several unresolved cases allegedly linked to the former governor, including the 2018 abduction and killing of the Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima.

“Our well-respected Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima, was abducted after a fierce meeting with the Kaduna State Government,” Abubakar said, noting that the case remains unresolved.

The lawyer also referenced the prolonged detention and prosecution of IMN leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, which he said was driven by the El-Rufai administration. He described that prosecution as frivolous and politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent.

Beyond high-profile cases, Abubakar cited a pattern of harassment against government critics, including the alleged persecution of Audu Bakori and the continued disappearance of activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who was abducted in Kaduna.

Critism of Current Charges

Despite his detailed catalogue of alleged abuses, Abubakar was critical of the manner in which the current charges were filed. He described it as embarrassing that the DSS would rush to court over what he said was merely a television interview granted by El-Rufai.

“No investigation to prove the veracity of the claim. No statement taken,” he said. “The state must put its act together if it wishes to win this fight.”

Abubakar warned that El-Rufai is not a political lightweight and should not be underestimated. He suggested that a weak or poorly prepared case could easily collapse in court.

Call for Strategic Approach

While insisting that El-Rufai must not escape justice, the human rights lawyer stressed that the pursuit of accountability must be deliberate, evidence-driven, and strategic.

“El-Rufai is not a pushover. He is battle-tested and brags that he wins every president he fights,” Abubakar said. “El-Rufai must not escape justice, but an uncoordinated fight without tact is bound to fail.”

He cautioned against sacrificing substance for speed, warning that a rushed prosecution could ultimately deny victims and their families true closure.