Former presidential adviser, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a political prisoner and warning that the situation is damaging Nigeria’s justice system and respect for the rule of law.
Baba-Ahmed made his position known in a post on his X account, where he argued that El-Rufai’s detention had gone beyond a normal legal matter and was raising serious concerns about fairness, due process and the protection of citizens’ rights.
According to him, the government’s insistence on keeping the former governor in custody without a trial or conviction is creating the impression that legal procedures are being ignored.
“Nasir el-Rufai’s saga is assuming a character far bigger than the determined insistence by the State that he must remain locked up, without being tried and/or sentenced,” Baba-Ahmed wrote.
He added that the continued detention of the former governor without due legal process was making a mockery of the rule of law and weakening public confidence in the country’s justice system.
“It is making a mockery of the rule of law and all standards of decency. El-Rufai is now a political prisoner,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmed’s comments are the latest reactions to the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention, which has continued to attract attention from political associates, supporters and members of his family.
The former presidential adviser did not provide further details on the legal issues involving El-Rufai, but stressed that no individual should be held indefinitely without being given the opportunity to defend himself before a competent court.
His statement has added to growing public debate over the handling of the former governor’s case and the broader issue of adherence to constitutional rights in Nigeria.
The remarks also came shortly after members of El-Rufai’s family appealed to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying the family did not deserve the treatment it was receiving.
Speaking on behalf of the family, El-Rufai’s first wife, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, expressed disappointment over the continued detention of her husband.
She recalled that the family actively supported the ruling All Progressives Congress during the 2023 general elections and believed they had worked for the party’s victory.
According to her, despite their loyalty to the APC, the former governor has remained in detention, a situation she described as unfair and painful.
She appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that justice is done and that El-Rufai is treated in line with the provisions of the law.
The family’s appeal has further intensified discussions over whether the former governor’s detention is based strictly on legal considerations or influenced by politics.
The controversy has also drawn attention because El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures. He served two terms as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023 after previously serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Known for his outspoken views and sweeping reforms while in office, El-Rufai has remained active in national politics since leaving office. In recent months, he has also been involved in political disagreements that have kept him in the public spotlight.
The former governor’s relationship with some leaders of the ruling APC has attracted widespread attention following political developments after the 2023 elections. His political moves and public comments have continued to generate debate across the country.
Human rights advocates have also stressed that respect for due process is essential for maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions. They say prolonged detention without trial can weaken citizens’ trust in the justice system and raise concerns about abuse of state powers.
Although the authorities have yet to publicly respond to Baba-Ahmed’s latest remarks, the issue is expected to remain a subject of public discussion in the coming days.
For now, supporters of the former governor continue to call for his release or a speedy trial, while critics insist that any allegations against him should be handled transparently through the courts.