Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged authorities to release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, cautioning against detentions driven by political considerations.
The call was made on Monday, March 23, 2026, following a visit by Atiku and a delegation to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja.
Atiku said the visit took place shortly after his return to Nigeria on Saturday, March 21, 2026, after observing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, describing the meeting as an expression of support for Malami amid his ongoing legal battles.
In a statement posted on his verified X account, the former presidential candidate stressed that individuals should not be held in custody on account of political differences.
He called for the immediate release of El-Rufai and others he described as political detainees, maintaining that democratic governance must accommodate divergent views.
He did not, however, provide details on the circumstances surrounding the alleged detention of El-Rufai or others referenced.
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Malami, who hosted the delegation, is currently facing trial in separate cases before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charges against him include alleged terrorism financing, unlawful possession of firearms, and an N8.7 billion fraud and money laundering case.
At the most recent hearing on Monday, March 16, 2026, prosecution witnesses among them compliance officers from Union Bank and Access Bank gave evidence on financial transactions linked to accounts associated with companies such as Meethaq Hotels Limited and Rayhaan Bustan.
Malami appeared in court alongside his wife, with their son joining proceedings shortly before a brief adjournment.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who is presiding over the matter, admitted several documents into evidence, including bank statements and official correspondence, as the trial progressed.
The case has been adjourned to April 20, 2026, for continuation.