El-Rufai Marks 256 Days in Detention, Insists Fair Trial Is a Fundamental Right
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has renewed his demand for a fair trial as he marks 256 days in detention, describing access to justice as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege or act of mercy.
In a post on his official X account on Friday, El-Rufai stated: “El-Rufai Detention Update. Today Exactly 256 days @elrufai in Detention. A Human Right, Not a Favor. A fair trial is not an act of mercy. It is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right.”
Under the hashtag #FairTrial, he appealed to international leaders and organisations, tagging United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, the United Nations, the UN Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, the European Union, the African Union, the White House, the British government and several global media outlets including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, The New York Times and The Economist.
El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16, 2026, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested him over allegations of financial mismanagement during his administration in Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
The allegations followed a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly concerning the management of approximately ₦423 billion to ₦432 billion during his eight-year tenure.
He was subsequently transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as investigations continued.
El-Rufai is also facing a separate case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Although courts have granted him bail in some of the matters, the conditions attached have reportedly hindered his release.
He was briefly released in March on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial before returning to detention.
A Federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed his no-case submission in the wiretapping case and ordered him to enter his defence.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
