El-Rufai Marks 256 Days in Detention, Insists on His Right to a Fair Trial ‎

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has renewed his call for a fair hearing, insisting that he remains entitled to justice and due process under the law.

In a post shared on his X account on Friday, which marked his 256th day in custody, El-Rufai said he is entitled to a fair and just trial amid the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 16, 2026, after honouring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two days later, he was transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he has remained since. He was reportedly held for more than 30 days before being formally charged.

The former governor faces allegations bordering on abuse of office, money laundering and wiretapping. Reports indicate that he has also struggled to satisfy what have been described as stringent bail conditions.

Family Raises Concerns

Members of El-Rufai's family have repeatedly challenged the legality of his continued detention.

In March, the family argued that the legal basis for his detention had expired. They later alleged that authorities denied him access to his personal doctors despite a Kaduna High Court order granting him unrestricted access to legal counsel and medical practitioners.

His son, Bello El-Rufai, has also maintained that the prosecution is politically motivated.

Growing Calls for Due Process

The case has attracted significant public attention and commentary from legal practitioners, political figures and civil society activists.

Human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu, despite being a previous critic of El-Rufai, described the prolonged detention as unlawful and unconstitutional. Activists Aisha Yesufu and Deji Adeyanju similarly criticised the extended custody and called for his prompt arraignment before the courts.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar argued that regardless of political differences, El-Rufai remains entitled to dignity, liberty and a fair hearing under the law.

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has also urged the Federal Government to ensure strict compliance with the rule of law in handling the matter.

Meanwhile, an editorial by ThisDay noted that the offences for which El-Rufai has been arraigned are bailable, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he serves in a leadership capacity, described the continued detention as a violation of his fundamental rights.

Trial Continues

The matter was earlier adjourned to September 22, 2026, for a hearing on a no-case submission and the continuation of trial proceedings.

Beyond the fate of one political figure, the case has become a broader test of Nigeria's commitment to due process and the rule of law. Observers argue that the manner in which the prosecution is conducted could influence public confidence in the country's justice system and its willingness to uphold legal standards, even in high-profile cases.

By Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical and Science Communicator | Private Investigator | Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analyst

United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

Sources

• BBC Hausa report on El-Rufai's X post.
• ThisDay, "El-Rufai and the Rule of Law" (April 26, 2026).
• City Lawyer Magazine, "After 126 Days in Custody, El-Rufai's Case Adjourned Till September."
• BusinessDay reports on family allegations and Atiku Abubakar's intervention.
• TheNiche reports on comments by Chidi Odinkalu, Aisha Yesufu and Deji Adeyanju.
• The Guardian (Nigeria) report on the Supreme Council for Shariah's position.
• Leadership report on the ADC statement.
• Prime Business Africa report on the family's March 2026 statement.