former Kaduna governor insists that a fair hearing is a fundamental human right as corruption and alleged wiretapping cases against him continue.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has renewed his demand for a fair trial as he marks 256 days in detention, insisting that his fundamental rights must be respected throughout the legal proceedings against him.
El-Rufai expressed his position in a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, describing the right to a fair trial as a basic human right that should not be treated as a favour or privilege.
The statement read: “El-Rufai Detention Update. Today Exactly 256 days @elrufai in Detention. A Human Right, Not a Favor. A fair trial is not an act of mercy. It is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right.”
EFCC Arrest Over Alleged Financial Mismanagement
The former governor has reportedly remained in custody since February 16, 2026, following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial mismanagement during his administration in Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
The allegations followed a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which raised questions about the management of funds estimated at between ₦423 billion and ₦432 billion during his eight years in office.
Following his initial detention, El-Rufai was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as investigations and related legal proceedings continued.
Separate DSS Case Over Alleged Telephone Interception
El-Rufai is also facing a separate case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were unlawfully intercepted.
The case reportedly arose from remarks made by the former governor during a television interview. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the allegations against him.
Although courts have granted bail in some of the proceedings, the report states that the conditions attached to the decisions have prevented his release from custody.
Court Orders El-Rufai to Present His Defence
In the alleged telephone-interception case, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently rejected El-Rufai’s no-case submission and directed him to enter his defence.
The ruling means that the proceedings will continue, with the former governor expected to respond to the allegations before the court.
El-Rufai was briefly released in March on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial before returning to detention.
Detention Draws Reactions From Supporters and Opposition Figures
The length of El-Rufai’s detention has generated reactions from supporters and opposition figures, some of whom have questioned the circumstances surrounding his continued custody and called for respect for his constitutional rights.
Authorities, however, maintain that the cases involve ongoing investigations and allegations relating to corruption and national security offences.
As the legal proceedings continue, El-Rufai’s latest statement places renewed emphasis on his demand for a fair trial and the protection of his rights under the law. The allegations against him remain subject to determination through the judicial process.
