The Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC) has called on the Federal Government to either press formal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or release him immediately, warning that any continued detention beyond the legally permitted period would violate the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.
COPAC convener Aminu Datti-Ahmed said El-Rufai voluntarily responded to an EFCC invitation on February 16 and was transferred to the ICPC on February 18 for further investigation into alleged financial misconduct. He has remained in detention since then.
The coalition said investigative detention is temporary and must either lead to formal charges or immediate release.
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It noted that the 14-day remand order has expired and that continued detention would constitute abuse of state power and violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
COPAC also expressed concern over the selective use of investigative powers against political figures and cited international human rights law prohibiting arbitrary arrest and detention.
The group urged opposition leaders and democratic actors to speak out against harassment or clampdown on political figures, stressing that the Constitution must apply equally to all.