A political advocacy organisation in Nigeria has asked the federal government to either bring formal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or release him from detention.
The call was made by the Coalition Political Action Committee through its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed, during a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
The group said that keeping the former governor in custody beyond the period allowed by law would violate the Nigerian Constitution as well as international human rights standards.
El-Rufai had responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria’s main anti-corruption agency, on February 16. He remained in its custody until the night of February 18, when he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for additional investigation.
Authorities are examining allegations of financial misconduct and related offences linked to his time in public office.
Since the transfer, the former governor has remained in detention.
According to the coalition, investigative detention must only last for a limited period. If investigators complete their work, they must either present charges before a court or release the suspect.
“The 14-day remand order obtained in the case involving Nasir El-Rufai has expired. That order was granted for a specific and limited purpose: to allow investigators to complete their work within a defined constitutional window. It was not a licence for indefinite detention, procedural manipulation, or political theatre,” the organisation said.
The coalition cited Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which protects the liberty of citizens.
It warned that any detention beyond the legal framework would be unconstitutional and could amount to an abuse of state authority.
The group also raised concerns about what it described as a pattern in which investigative powers are allegedly used selectively against political figures.
It pointed to international human rights standards, including Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which prohibit arbitrary arrest or detention.
The organisation further urged prominent opposition leaders in Nigeria to speak out on the matter. Those mentioned included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The coalition said defending the rule of law was necessary to protect democratic institutions.
“This is not about El-Rufai. It is about ensuring the law applies equally to all. The Constitution is not optional, and the rule of law must never become a selective weapon,” the group said.
It concluded by urging the government to immediately bring charges if there is evidence against the former governor or release him if investigators cannot establish a case.