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‘All i want is fair trial’ – El-Rufai appeals to Trump, Macron for intervention over detention
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has appealed to world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, to intervene in his ongoing legal troubles and secure his release from detention.
El-Rufai made the appeal in a post on his X account on Friday, where he tagged the two foreign leaders and called for attention to what he described as a violation of his fundamental human rights.
The former governor claimed he was being targeted for speaking truth to power and insisted that he was entitled to a fair trial.
“Today, exactly 256 days El-Rufai is in detention. Human rights not a favour, a fair trial is not an act of mercy. It is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right,” the post stated.
His appeal to the international community comes days after the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his no-case submission in a case involving allegations that he was involved in the unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The court’s decision means the former governor is required to proceed with his defence in the case.
El-Rufai is also under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering involving ₦432 billion.
The investigation followed a petition by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused the former governor of financial misconduct during his tenure.
El-Rufai has been in detention since February 18, 2026, although he was reportedly granted temporary release in March to attend his mother’s funeral.
The former governor’s latest appeal comes amid ongoing legal proceedings and investigations into allegations against him. He has maintained that his detention and prosecution are politically motivated.

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