El-Rufai’s Wife Raises Alarm Over 150-Day Detention, Says “Punishment Before Trial

Asia Ahmad El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has called on the international community to pay closer attention to her husband’s ongoing detention, alleging that he has been denied due process and subjected to what she described as “punishment before trial.”

According to Ireporter Online, Asia, a lawyer, made the appeal in a statement marking what she described as the 150th day of El-Rufai’s detention, urging foreign governments, international organisations and human rights groups to monitor the legal proceedings surrounding the former governor.

She stressed that her appeal was not made from a political standpoint but from the perspective of a wife and mother seeking justice and fairness for a member of her family.

Asia said the prolonged detention had caused emotional and physical strain on El-Rufai and his family, describing the period as months of missed family moments, disrupted medical care and personal hardship.

She argued that the length of the detention raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s democratic values, insisting that accountability must be pursued within the boundaries of the law.

The former governor’s wife acknowledged that El-Rufai had faced both criticism and praise throughout his more than two decades in public service, during which he served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and governor of Kaduna State.

However, she maintained that political disagreements or public controversies should not justify what she described as indefinite detention without a fair trial.

According to her, the situation began after security officials allegedly attempted to stop El-Rufai at an airport, seized his passport and assaulted one of his aides. She claimed that the former governor later honoured an invitation from authorities voluntarily but remained in custody despite assurances regarding bail.

Asia further alleged that El-Rufai experienced serious health challenges while detained, claiming that he suffered a medical episode requiring urgent attention and that there were difficulties in providing him with prescribed medication.

She called on authorities to guarantee his access to medical care, legal representatives and family members while the legal process continues.

The lawyer accused the authorities of using multiple charges and court proceedings to prolong El-Rufai’s detention, describing the situation as an example of “lawfare,” which she said involved the use of legal processes as political tools.

She insisted that former public officials should be investigated whenever credible allegations exist, but argued that such investigations must be transparent and conducted in line with constitutional protections.

“If there is evidence against him, it should be presented before an impartial court where justice can be determined fairly,” she stated, while warning against practices that could create the impression of guilt before a judicial decision is reached.

Asia also linked her husband’s current legal challenges to his political differences with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that his independent political position should not make him a target for persecution.

She further raised concerns about the detention of some of El-Rufai’s associates, including Joel Adoga, Jimi Lawal and Professor Abubakar Bello, alleging that they had also faced prolonged custody and difficult legal conditions.

According to Asia, the cases involving her husband and his associates represent broader concerns about human rights, judicial independence and equal protection under the law.

She appealed to Nigeria’s international partners, diplomatic missions and human rights organisations to encourage transparent legal proceedings, humane detention conditions and respect for constitutional rights.

Addressing President Tinubu, Asia urged the administration to allow the courts to handle the matter independently, stressing that strong governments should be able to tolerate criticism.

She maintained that her demand was not for special treatment for her husband but for fairness, due process and equal application of the law.

Asia concluded that the matter extends beyond El-Rufai’s personal situation, arguing that it raises fundamental questions about whether citizens can challenge those in power and still receive protection under democratic institutions.