Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, visited Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor and ADC stalwart, to show solidarity after a failed arrest attempt at the airport.
El-Rufai was reportedly approached by security agents who tried to take him into custody, but he refused without a formal invitation. His passport was allegedly seized during the incident.
Atiku shared on Facebook that El-Rufai remains committed to his vision for a better Nigeria, despite the incident. This comes amid allegations of political intimidation and investigations into El-Rufai’s activities as governor.
The former Kaduna State governor has been indicted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly for alleged corruption linked to contract awards, loan management, and financial misconduct during his eight‑year tenure (2015‑2023).
An ad‑hoc committee, chaired by Henry Danjuma, concluded that El‑Rufai breached his oath of office and failed to exercise due discretion, resulting in “unjustified and fraudulent” domestic and foreign debts, diversion of funds, and money‑laundering activities.
The report recommends referring him and key aides to anti‑corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution. It also calls for the withdrawal of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account at Zenith Bank, which was used as security for a ₦20 billion loan, demanding refunds of all deductions and accrued interest. Contractors are directed to return over ₦36 billion for work not performed, over‑paid, or diverted.
In response, El‑Rufai has filed a fundamental‑rights lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, arguing that the Assembly’s report violates his right to a fair hearing under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution. His counsel, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), contends the committee’s findings are unconstitutional and seeks a declaration that the report is null and void.
The former governor’s legal team, led by Mustapha, maintains that El‑Rufai was denied due process and that the allegations are “politically motivated.” The case is pending, and anti‑corruption agencies have yet to announce any formal charges.
