Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has issued a public alert over what he describes as a series of malicious actions targeted against him.
According to a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, the alleged attempt to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival at Abuja Airport from Cairo on February 12, 2026, marked the beginning of troubling developments.
The statement further disclosed that on February 16, 2026, El-Rufai honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was subsequently detained. He was later transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the night of February 18.
He remains in detention and has since been arraigned before two separate High Courts.
The release also referenced a report published on April 18, 2026, by The Nation, titled “El-Rufai’s trial: Gunmen invade principal witness home.” The report alleged that a key witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, reported an attack on his residence by armed individuals, linking the incident to his role in ongoing corruption charges against El-Rufai.
However, the statement strongly criticised the publication, accusing it of making insinuations aimed at tarnishing El-Rufai’s reputation and potentially influencing ongoing legal proceedings.
It described the claims as defamatory and suggested they were intended to undermine his pending bail application and implicate him in serious offences.
“El-Rufai is a law-abiding citizen with no connection whatsoever to the incidents described,” the statement asserted, adding that his legal team has been instructed to initiate defamation proceedings.
The statement further alleged that since 2023, El-Rufai has been subjected to a sustained campaign of vilification, despite what it described as his “distinguished record of public service” and contributions to national development.
It concluded by calling for adherence to the rule of law, stressing that legal processes must not be weaponised to deny citizens their fundamental rights.
“El-Rufai deserves full due process as guaranteed by law, and any persistent disregard for his rights must cease immediately,” the statement added.