CCDCE Faults Alleged Rights Violations Against El-Rufai, Seeks Fairer Bail Terms

The Center for Community Development and Civic Enlightenment (CCDCE) has condemned the alleged violation of the fundamental human rights of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over claims that he has been denied adequate medical care while in detention, calling on the authorities to grant him fairer bail conditions.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the Publicity Secretary of CCDCE, Comrade Sikiru Balogun, said the continued detention of the former governor and the reported denial of prompt medical attention raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns. He argued that if the rights of a former governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory could allegedly be disregarded, “the fate of the ordinary Nigerian becomes even more troubling.”

The group maintained that while no citizen is above the law, every Nigerian is entitled to the protection of the Constitution, including the rights to personal liberty, dignity, fair hearing and access to necessary medical care while in custody.

According to the organisation, reports suggesting that El-Rufai remains in detention despite his status as a former governor and former minister warrant urgent intervention by the relevant authorities, stressing that due process must be observed at every stage of the legal proceedings.

CCDCE noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international legal instruments ratified by Nigeria, guarantee the protection of the rights of persons in custody.

The organisation further stated that although the allegations of corruption being investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as well as the alleged unlawful wiretapping involving the National Security Adviser, should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where necessary, such proceedings must not become a basis for violating the constitutional rights of the accused.

It therefore called on the relevant authorities to strictly comply with constitutional provisions governing arrest, detention, bail, fair hearing and due process in handling the case.

CCDCE also urged the court to grant El-Rufai fairer bail conditions that would enable him to enjoy unrestricted access to his family and receive adequate medical care while standing trial, adding that such a step would help dispel allegations of political persecution surrounding the case.