Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised fresh allegations of a plot to implicate him in criminal activities, warning that coordinated efforts are underway to damage his reputation and prevent his release on bail.
El-Rufai, who is currently facing trial, is expected to appear before the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday, April 21, where a ruling will be delivered on his bail application. The date was fixed by the presiding judge, Darius Khobo, after listening to arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor expressed concern over what he described as “malicious orchestrations” aimed at keeping him in detention.
According to the statement, the alleged plot is part of a broader pattern of actions targeting him since early 2026. El-Rufai claimed that the situation began on February 12, when there were plans to arrest him upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Cairo, Egypt.
He said although the arrest did not take place at the airport, the incident signalled the start of what he believes to be sustained efforts against him.
The statement further revealed that El-Rufai honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16. Following his appearance, he was reportedly detained by the agency.
Two days later, on February 18, he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he has remained in custody as legal proceedings continue.
El-Rufai’s camp also took issue with a report published in a national newspaper on April 18, which carried the headline: “El-Rufai’s trial: Gunmen invade principal witness home.” The report quoted a key witness in the case, Mohammed Umar Karage, as alleging that gunmen attacked his residence.
Karage reportedly suggested that the attack might be connected to his role in the ongoing trial and could be an attempt to silence him. He also referenced the case of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata, a Kaduna-based activist who went missing in 2019 under controversial circumstances.
However, El-Rufai has strongly denied any involvement in the alleged attack, describing the claims as false, defamatory, and part of a deliberate effort to tarnish his image.
The statement issued by his aide said the publication was designed to create a negative perception of the former governor and weaken his chances of securing bail.
“Any objective reader would recognise the clear intent behind these statements: to tarnish his reputation and justify his continued detention,” the statement read.
El-Rufai insisted that he has no connection whatsoever with the reported incident and reaffirmed his commitment to proving his innocence in court.
As part of his response, he disclosed that his legal team has been instructed to begin defamation proceedings against the newspaper that published the report. He argued that such reports, if left unchallenged, could influence public opinion and undermine the fairness of the judicial process.
The former governor also expressed concern over what he described as a sustained campaign of “innuendos and vilification” against him since leaving office in 2023. He maintained that despite his years in public service, he has continued to face criticism and allegations that he considers unjust.
During his time in office, El-Rufai was known for his strong stance on governance reforms, urban development, and controversial policy decisions, especially in areas such as education and security. His administration often drew both praise and criticism, making him one of the most talked-about political figures in the country.
Since leaving office, his political future has remained a subject of speculation, with supporters and critics closely watching his legal battles.
In his statement, El-Rufai called for respect for the rule of law and urged authorities to ensure that his rights as a citizen are protected.
“El-Rufai should be accorded full due process guaranteed by law to every citizen, and the persistent disregard for his rights must cease immediately,” the statement added.
The case also raises broader questions about the use of legal processes in politically sensitive matters. Some analysts have warned against what they describe as the “weaponisation” of investigations and prosecutions, noting that such actions could weaken public trust in institutions if not handled transparently.
At the same time, anti-corruption agencies have maintained that no individual is above the law and that investigations must proceed wherever there is evidence of wrongdoing.
As the April 21 court date approaches, attention is focused on the Kaduna State High Court, where Justice Khobo is expected to rule on whether El-Rufai will be granted bail or remain in custody pending the conclusion of his trial.
For now, the former governor remains firm in his position, denying all allegations against him and insisting that the claims linking him to criminal activities are baseless.
The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining the direction of the case, as well as its political and legal implications.
For many Nigerians, the situation highlights the delicate balance between ensuring accountability and protecting individual rights within the justice system. As events unfold, the outcome of the bail ruling will be closely watched across the country.