ICPC charge or release El-Rufai, ADC chieftain Usman Austin urges, citing due process and transparency over former governor’s detention
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Usman Austin, has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to either formally charge former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to court or release him without delay.
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In a statement made available on Friday, Usman Austin expressed concern over the continued detention of Nasir El-Rufai, calling on the commission to adhere strictly to due process.
Usman Austin referenced the approach of the Department of State Services, which he said had recently sought judicial intervention in handling comparable matters rather than resorting to prolonged detention.
“The decision of the DSS to approach a court of law rather than resorting to arbitrary detention is both civil and democratic,” Usman Austin stated.
“The DSS has shown that the proper way to handle such matters is to let the court decide through merit-based arguments from both the prosecutor and the defendant.”
Usman Austin maintained that if there are allegations against Nasir El-Rufai, they should be tested in open court, stressing the importance of established legal procedures.
He noted that the former governor had previously honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing him as cooperative with investigative authorities.
“The EFCC is yet to explain the circumstances of this custody, whether Mallam El-Rufai was officially handed over to the ICPC or if he was re-arrested after being granted administrative bail. This ambiguity undermines the rule of law,” Usman Austin added.
Reports indicate that Nasir El-Rufai was taken into custody by ICPC operatives shortly after being released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Sources at the EFCC confirmed that the former governor, who had arrived at the commission’s Abuja headquarters around 10 am on Monday for questioning, was released on Wednesday before being taken into ICPC custody.
The ICPC, in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, confirmed that Nasir El-Rufai remains in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation as of the close of work on February 18, 2026.
Usman Austin emphasised that safeguarding the rights of individuals until proven guilty is a fundamental principle of democratic governance.
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He urged the commission to act decisively by either presenting charges in court or releasing the former governor, warning that transparency and adherence to due process are critical to sustaining public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
