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 as he marks 256 days in detention over corruption allegations and a separate case involving the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai has consistently maintained that he is ready to respond to the allegations against him in court. In a statement written while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in February, he said he had exercised his constitutional right to remain silent during questioning.
He argued that after nearly two years of investigation, the ICPC should present its findings before a court rather than continue questioning him. He also described the investigation as politically motivated, a claim the authorities have not accepted.
The former governor is facing a separate prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) over comments he made during an Arise Television interview in February concerning the alleged interception of Ribadu’s telephone conversations. He has denied that his television remarks amounted to a confession and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In September, the Federal High Court in Abuja heard arguments on his no-case submission, in which his lawyers asked the court to discharge him, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a case requiring him to enter a defence. The prosecution opposed the application and urged the court to order him to defend himself.
The court subsequently fixed October 26, 2026, to deliver its ruling on the application.
El-Rufai has also challenged aspects of the investigation through a ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit against the ICPC, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation. The matter was adjourned to October 27 for hearing.
The former governor, who served Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, continues to face legal proceedings over the allegations. The cases remain before the courts, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
