SDP, ADC supporters protest El-Rufai’s detention in Kano

Supporters of the Social Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress in Kano on Monday staged a peaceful protest over the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, without being formally charged in court.

The demonstrators, led by coalition group leaders and members of the El-Rufai Support Group, gathered at the ADC state office in Kano to express concern over what they described as prolonged detention without trial.

Carrying placards with messages calling for justice, the protesters demanded the immediate release of the former governor. They argued that he should be allowed to reunite with his family and continue observing the Ramadan fast.

Speaking during the protest, a leader of the El-Rufai Support Group and a member of the ADC, Al’amin Nuraddeen Amin, said the rally was organised to draw attention to El-Rufai’s situation.

“We organised this peaceful protest to express our concern over the continued detention of Malam Nasir El-Rufai without being taken to court,” Amin said. “We are calling on the ICPC to either charge him before a competent court immediately or release him.”

He added that the group might consider legal action against the anti-graft agency if the situation persists.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the SDP in Kano State, Usaini Maidawa Gabasawa, said the protest was aimed at showing solidarity with the former governor.

“Our demand is simple: either release him or charge him in court in accordance with the law,” Gabasawa said.

In his remarks, the Kano State Chairman of the ADC, Musa Sha’aibu Ungoggo, described the continued detention of El-Rufai by security agencies as a violation of due process.

“As far as we know, security agencies have not officially disclosed any offence against him,” Ungoggo said.

He further stated that opposition parties would continue political efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they would work towards preventing the party from winning the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai had earlier presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16 following an invitation by the agency.

He was subsequently reported to have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) and is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), according to the protesters.

The demonstrators reiterated their call on the authorities to either release the former governor or promptly arraign him in court to ensure justice and due process.

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