Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has criticised the Kaduna State Police Command for what he described as a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution. His reaction follows a police summons issued to him and seven leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over an aborted political meeting in the state.
The police had invited El-Rufai and the ADC members for questioning, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt. The summons came after police operatives allegedly stopped a scheduled ADC meeting from holding in Kaduna and sealed the party’s state office.
According to a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, the ADC Chairman in Kaduna was directed to produce El-Rufai and the seven others at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on Monday, September 8.
Those listed for questioning include Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (popularly known as “30”), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (also known as “Mikiya”).
In response, El-Rufai held a press conference at his private residence in Kaduna where he openly condemned the police’s actions. He described the summon as an “illegal and dangerous move” that undermines the rule of law and the rights of citizens.
“The Commissioner of Police knows what he is doing is a violation of the Constitution,” El-Rufai said. “He waved a piece of paper claiming it was a court order, but it was never served. Even if such an order exists, it must be legally delivered before it can take effect. That has not happened.”
El-Rufai added that the refusal to allow the ADC meeting and the sudden sealing of the party’s office was not just unlawful but politically motivated. “This is a dangerous descent into lawlessness,” he warned. “We want to see that injunction, we want to know the grounds, and we will challenge it in court. This is not the end — further steps will follow.”
The meeting in question was meant to bring together leaders of the African Democratic Congress and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who had formed a political coalition. Last week, the gathering was disrupted by suspected political thugs, leaving several party members injured. The Northwest leadership of ADC had planned to visit the state to sympathise with the victims, but the visit was blocked by security forces.
The police have not issued a full statement explaining their actions, but many political observers see the incident as an attempt to silence opposition voices in Kaduna State.
The incident has sparked debate across the state, with many questioning the neutrality of the police and the shrinking space for democratic engagement in the country.
As the date of the police invitation approaches, it remains to be seen whether El-Rufai and the ADC leaders will honour the summons or challenge it in court.
