A civil society coalition, Kaduna Voices United (KVU), has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for comments concerning the detention and investigation of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Atiku reportedly warned that the Federal Government would be held responsible if anything adverse happened to El-Rufai, who is said to have suffered a nosebleed while in custody. He described the situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy,” and called for transparency regarding the agency responsible for the former governor’s detention.
Reacting, KVU, through its Chairman Yariok Makama Goje, acknowledged that concerns over El-Rufai’s health are legitimate but emphasised that public discourse must also consider the serious legal allegations he faces.
Goje questioned why similar calls for accountability were absent during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023, a period when allegations of financial mismanagement and intimidation of critics were frequently raised.
“The silence of prominent political figures during that period raises questions about the consistency of the positions being advanced today,” Goje said.
According to KVU, the legal challenges against El-Rufai stem from criminal allegations currently under investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“The allegations range from cybercrime to corruption and warrant thorough scrutiny, not dismissal,” Goje said, noting that the DSS has filed three charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
These charges relate to a February 13, 2026, Arise TV interview, in which El-Rufai claimed to have intercepted phone calls belonging to the National Security Adviser. The charges include unlawful wiretapping, failure to report intercepted communications, and compromising national security.
KVU also highlighted ongoing EFCC investigations into alleged diversion of ₦432 billion and money laundering linked to major infrastructure projects, including the Kaduna light rail. Additionally, the ICPC is probing allegations of abuse of office and procurement infractions during El-Rufai’s administration.
“Such allegations indicate a systematic exploitation of power for personal gain, undermining public trust and eroding confidence in governance,” Goje said.
The coalition stressed that the legal challenges are not personal matters but broader concerns about governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria. KVU warned that advocating for El-Rufai’s vindication amid these serious allegations undermines justice and accountability.
“Public officials must be held to the highest standards, particularly when their actions may compromise national security or involve misappropriation of public funds,” Goje concluded. “The legal processes initiated by the DSS, EFCC, and ICPC are essential to ensuring that public office is not misused and that the rule of law prevails.”
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