Democracy And Rights Observatory (DRO)

Democracy and Rights Observatory is an independent, non-profit, non-political, non-ethnic, and non-governmental human rights organization

[Democracy And Rights Observatory (DRO) @DROBSERVATORY]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ref: DRO/28/2026 9th March 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Democracy and Rights Observatory Calls for Immediate Release and International Scrutiny of Nasir El-Rufai Detention in Nigeria

The Democracy and Rights Observatory (DRO) is calling for urgent international attention to the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, warning that recent developments raise serious concerns about adherence to due process, judicial authority, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

According to publicly available reports, Mr. El-Rufai was first detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16 February 2026 after honoring an invitation regarding corruption allegations. After being granted bail, he was subsequently taken into custody by other federal agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he remains under investigation.
In a further development, the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned his arraignment to April 23 after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to produce him before the court. Prosecutors informed the court that he remained in ICPC custody in connection with separate allegations of financial misappropriation.
Mr. El-Rufai is also facing charges under the Cybercrimes Act and the Nigerian Communications Act related to statements allegedly made during a February 13 interview on Arise News, in which he claimed knowledge of intercepted communications involving the National Security Adviser.

DRO notes that the apparent pattern of successive detentions by multiple agencies and the failure to produce a detained individual for scheduled court proceedings raises serious concerns about institutional coordination, respect for judicial processes, and protection against arbitrary detention.

DRO is concerned about potential actions aimed at restricting access to personal assets or public service entitlements connected to the investigation.
The organization notes that both Nigeria’s Constitution and international legal standards require that any limitations on property rights be imposed only through lawful judicial processes and due legal procedure. Any suggestion that economic or asset-related measures are being applied outside judicial authorization risks undermining confidence in legitimate anti-corruption efforts.
Asset control or economic restrictions must remain subject to judicial supervision and court orders, in line with established legal safeguards.
While accountability and anti-corruption investigations are essential in any democracy, such investigations must be conducted strictly within constitutional safeguards and internationally recognized standards of due process.

DRO therefore urges the Government of Nigeria to:
• Ensure that Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is promptly presented before the court
• Guarantee that all investigations and prosecutions comply with constitutional and judicial procedures
• Either formally charge him before a competent court of law or release him in accordance with constitutional protections against arbitrary detention
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most influential democracies. Respect for the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of civil liberties remains essential for maintaining both domestic public confidence and international credibility.
The Democracy and Rights Observatory calls on the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, diplomatic missions, and global human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to closely monitor developments in this case and encourage strict adherence to constitutional and international legal standards.

Ensuring transparency and due process in high-profile cases is essential to demonstrating that Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain strong, impartial, and committed to the rule of law.

Signed
Democracy and Rights Observatory (DRO)

1. Prof. Isa Odidi
2. Timothy A. Sule
3. Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed

About Democracy and Rights Observatory
Democracy and Rights Observatory is an independent, non-profit, non-political, non-ethnic, and non-governmental human rights organization dedicated to promoting universal human dignity, equality, justice, and accountability.

The organization operates through: Independent research; Advocacy and policy engagement; Legal awareness initiatives; Community support programs, and Humanitarian response.
The organization is headquartered in the Diaspora (Saint Paul, USA) and works with civil society actors, international bodies, and local communities to advance fundamental rights and freedoms.