Coalition demands FG charge or release El-Rufai

The Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC) has urged the Federal Government to either file formal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, or release him immediately.

The group warned that any continued detention beyond the legally permitted period would violate Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights law.

COPAC made the demand in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed, stressing that the rule of law cannot be suspended for political convenience.

El-Rufai reportedly honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16 and remained in its custody until February 18, when he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation into alleged financial misconduct.

Since then, the former governor has remained in detention.

Reacting to the development, COPAC said investigative detention is strictly temporary and must, within a reasonable timeframe, result in formal charges before a competent court or the immediate release of the detainee.

“The 14-day remand order obtained by investigators in the case involving Nasir El-Rufai has expired,” the coalition said.

“That order was granted for a specific and limited purpose: to allow investigators to complete their work within a defined constitutional window. It was not granted as a licence for indefinite detention, procedural manipulation, or political theatre.”

The group cited Section 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees the liberty of every citizen and requires that any deprivation of freedom be strictly in accordance with the law.

COPAC also warned that the continued detention could violate international human rights obligations, including Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention.

The coalition further expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of state institutions using investigative powers against political figures in ways that raise questions about selectivity and motive.