By Peter Omopo
The Coalition Political Action Committee has urged the Federal Government to either formally charge former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in court or release him immediately from detention.
The group warned that any continued detention beyond the legally permitted period would violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights laws.
COPAC made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed, who said the rule of law must not be compromised for political reasons.
El-Rufai had honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16 and remained in the agency’s custody until February 18 before he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and Other Related Offences Commission for further investigation over alleged financial misconduct.
Since then, the former governor has remained in detention.
The coalition stated that the 14-day remand order obtained by investigators in the case had expired and insisted that the order was granted only to allow investigators to complete their work within a defined constitutional period.
According to the group, investigative detention is temporary and must lead to either formal charges before a competent court or the immediate release of the detainee.
It cited Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the liberty of every citizen, stressing that the law does not permit indefinite detention.
COPAC also expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of state institutions deploying investigative powers against political figures in ways that raise questions about selectivity and motive.
The coalition noted that arbitrary detention would also contradict Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights laws, including Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The group called on prominent opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to speak out against any perceived attempt to intimidate political opponents.
COPAC stressed that the issue goes beyond El-Rufai, describing it as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic accountability.
It urged the government to file charges if there was evidence against the former governor or release him immediately, warning that the constitution must not be treated as optional in a constitutional democracy.
