The Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC) has asked the Federal Government to either formally charge former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, or release him without further delay.
The group warned that holding him beyond the legally approved period would amount to a violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights laws.
COPAC made its position known in Abuja on Sunday through its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed. He said the rule of law must be respected at all times and should not be bent for political interests.
El-Rufai had earlier honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16.
He was reportedly kept in custody until the night of February 18 before he was moved to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for further investigation over alleged financial misconduct.
However, since his transfer, the former governor has remained in detention.
COPAC said such detention cannot continue indefinitely. According to the coalition, investigative custody is meant to be temporary and must lead either to a formal charge before a competent court or the immediate release of the suspect.
“The 14-day remand order obtained in the case involving Nasir El-Rufai has expired. That order was granted for a specific and limited purpose: to allow investigators to complete their work within a defined constitutional window. It was not a licence for indefinite detention, procedural manipulation, or political theatre,” COPAC stated.
The group cited Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal liberty. It stressed that any detention outside the limits provided by law would be unconstitutional and an abuse of state power.
COPAC also raised concerns over what it described as a worrying trend where state institutions allegedly deploy investigative powers selectively against certain political figures. The coalition said such actions could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
It further referenced global human rights provisions that protect citizens from arbitrary arrest and detention. Among them are Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The coalition also called on prominent opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to speak up against what it described as intimidation of opposition figures.
“This is not about El-Rufai. It is about ensuring the law applies equally to all. The Constitution is not optional, and the rule of law must never become a selective weapon,” COPAC warned.
The coalition concluded by urging the federal government to either file charges if credible evidence exists or release the former governor immediately.
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