The Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC), headed by Aminu Datti-Ahmed, has warned that holding former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody past the authorised remand period would be against the Constitution and has called on the Federal Government to either release him or file formal charges against him.
The call comes amid mounting criticism over El-Rufai’s prolonged incarceration following the expiration of the 14-day remand order that investigators had previously secured.
The group claims that the court order was simply given to enable investigators to do their job within a specified time frame. It stated that as the window has now closed, the authorities must either release the detainee or take the case to court.
“This is not about El-Rufai. This is about the law being a level playing field. The rule of law must never become a selective weapon used against those who fall out of favour with those who hold power.
“The 14-day remand order obtained by investigators in the case involving El-Rufai has expired. That order was granted for a specific and limited purpose: to allow investigators complete their work within a defined constitutional window. It was not granted as a licence for indefinite detention, procedural manipulation, or political theatre,” the group said.
Prominent opposition personalities, like as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, were also urged by Datti-Ahmed to speak out against what it called attempts to intimidate opposition politicians.
Datti-Ahmed stated that the incident raises more general questions regarding the use of state institutions in political disputes, going beyond the specific case.
Datti-Ahmed reaffirmed its stance, stating that the authorities must adhere fully to the law.
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