The Coalition Political Action Committee has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to either bring formal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or release him from detention.
The group made the demand in Abuja on Sunday through its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed, after raising concerns about the length of time the former governor has remained in custody.
El-Rufai first appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16 after responding to an invitation from the agency.
He remained with the commission until the night of February 18 before he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission for further investigation over allegations connected to financial misconduct and related offences. Since that time, he has continued to remain in custody.
The coalition said investigative detention is meant to be temporary and should only last for a limited period while authorities complete their investigation. According to the group, the law requires that once investigations reach a certain point, the suspect should either be charged before a court or released if no immediate charges are ready.
The group also explained that a remand order obtained earlier in relation to the investigation had a specific time limit. It stated that the 14-day period granted by the court was meant to give investigators time to complete their work and not to allow indefinite detention.
According to the coalition, continuing to hold a suspect after the expiration of such an order goes against the legal provisions that protect personal liberty.
COPAC said the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria protects the freedom of every citizen and does not permit detention without following the proper legal process.
The coalition warned that keeping a person in custody without bringing the case before a competent court could amount to an abuse of power and a violation of constitutional rights.
The group also raised concern about what it described as a pattern where investigative powers are sometimes used against political figures. It said such actions could weaken public trust in democratic institutions if legal procedures are not followed strictly.
In its reaction, the coalition also referred to international legal agreements that Nigeria has adopted. These include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the group, both documents contain provisions that protect individuals from arbitrary arrest or detention.
COPAC further called on political leaders and other democratic stakeholders across the country to pay attention to the situation. It urged opposition figures and public officials to speak up whenever they believe the rule of law is being ignored or applied selectively.
The coalition stated that the issue goes beyond one individual and touches on the broader need for fairness in the justice system. It maintained that laws should apply equally to everyone regardless of political position or affiliation.
At the end of its statement, the group again asked the Federal Government to act within the legal framework by either presenting evidence in court if there is a case to answer or releasing the former governor if the investigation has not produced sufficient grounds for prosecution.
According to the coalition, Nigeria operates under a constitutional system where legal procedures must guide the actions of government authorities.