A human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has described the temporary release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from custody as a humane decision, but insisted that it must be properly backed by a court order.
Adeyanju made this known in a statement on Saturday while reacting to the decision by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to allow El-Rufai attend the burial of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
El-Rufai’s mother died on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness. The development led to widespread sympathy, with political leaders and associates visiting the former governor at his Abuja residence to offer condolences.
In his reaction, Adeyanju said the decision to release El-Rufai on compassionate grounds was commendable, noting that such actions show respect for human dignity, especially in times of personal loss.
However, the activist lawyer stressed that the process must follow the law, pointing out that El-Rufai was initially remanded in custody based on a court order. As such, any decision to grant him temporary freedom, he argued, should also be supported by a judicial directive.
“The decision to grant Mallam Nasir El-Rufai temporary release from Independent Corrupt Practices Commission custody to attend his mother’s burial is both humane and commendable, but must be backed by a court decision or order since he was remanded in custody on the order of the court,” Adeyanju said.
The lawyer’s comments come amid ongoing public discussions about the legality and transparency of El-Rufai’s release. While many Nigerians have expressed sympathy for the former governor over his loss, questions have been raised about whether due process was fully followed.
Adeyanju explained that showing compassion in such situations should not be seen as weakening the fight against corruption or undermining accountability. Instead, he said it should be viewed as part of a justice system that recognises both legal principles and human values.
According to him, granting temporary release to attend a burial reflects a necessary balance between enforcing the law and respecting the fundamental rights of individuals.
“The decision to allow El-Rufai to attend his mother’s funeral reflects a necessary balance between the demands of justice and respect for fundamental human dignity,” he said.
He further clarified that bail, whether granted by a court or through administrative processes, should not be misunderstood as an attempt to evade justice. Rather, it is a lawful provision that allows individuals facing legal proceedings to address important personal matters under certain conditions.
“Bail, whether administrative or judicial, should not be misconstrued as an escape from accountability, but rather as a lawful and compassionate accommodation in deserving circumstances,” he added.
Adeyanju also commended the authorities for what he described as a demonstration of empathy, while urging them to ensure that all actions remain within the bounds of the law.
“This action by the authorities is a welcome demonstration of empathy while upholding the rule of law,” he said.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026, following allegations of financial misconduct. Although full details of the case have not been made public, the development has attracted widespread attention due to his high-profile status.
During his time in public office, El-Rufai served as Governor of Kaduna State for two terms and earlier held the position of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Since news of his mother’s death broke, several top political figures have visited him in Abuja. These include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, among others.
They argue that this helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process and avoids setting precedents that could be questioned in future cases.
At the same time, there is recognition that the law allows for flexibility in exceptional circumstances, including bereavement. Such provisions are intended to ensure that justice is not only strict but also fair and humane.
For many Nigerians, the debate surrounding El-Rufai’s release reflects broader concerns about the rule of law and equal treatment. While some have praised the authorities for showing compassion, others have called for greater transparency in how such decisions are made.
As El-Rufai continues to mourn his mother, attention is expected to return to his legal case in the coming days. The ICPC is likely to resume its investigation once the burial activities are concluded.
Adeyanju’s intervention adds an important voice to the ongoing discussion, reminding both authorities and the public of the need to balance compassion with strict adherence to legal procedures.