EL-RUFAI MARKS 256 DAYS IN DETENTION, DEMANDS FAIR TRIAL

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has renewed his demand for a fair trial, with a statement on his official X account marking 256 days in detention.

The post, shared on Friday, described a fair trial as a fundamental human right rather than a favour.

“A fair trial is not an act of mercy. It is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right,” the statement read.

El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16, 2026, following his arrest over allegations of financial mismanagement during his administration as Kaduna governor between 2015 and 2023.

The allegations followed a state House of Assembly report questioning the management of funds during his tenure. He was subsequently transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission as proceedings continued.

He also faces a separate case brought by the Department of State Services over alleged unlawful interception of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s telephone communications.

El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the allegations against him.

Although courts have granted bail in some cases, conditions attached to those rulings have reportedly prevented his release. He was briefly released in March to attend his mother’s burial before returning to custody.

In the communications interception case, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently rejected his no-case submission and directed him to present his defence. That decision does not amount to a conviction.

His continued detention has prompted calls from supporters and opposition figures for respect for his rights, while authorities maintain that the cases concern ongoing corruption and national security proceedings.