Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — A Nigerian civil society organisation, the Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC), has called on the federal government of Nigeria to either formally charge former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or release him immediately from detention.
The group warned that keeping the former governor in custody beyond the legally permitted period would violate Nigeria’s constitution as well as international human rights law.
COPAC made the appeal on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja through its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed. The coalition stressed that the rule of law must not be suspended for political reasons in a democratic system.
Okay News reports that El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State in northwestern Nigeria between 2015 and 2023, voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
He remained in the custody of the anti corruption agency until the night of Tuesday, February 18, 2026, when he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for additional investigation into alleged financial misconduct and related offences.
Since the transfer, the former governor has remained in detention while investigators continue their work.
According to COPAC, investigative detention under Nigerian law is intended to be temporary and must either lead to formal charges in a competent court or to the suspect’s release within a reasonable time.
“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,” the coalition stated.
The group cited Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the personal liberty of citizens. It warned that any action outside the constitutional options of filing charges or granting release would amount to an abuse of state authority and a violation of citizens’ rights.
COPAC also expressed concern about what it described as a growing pattern in which investigative institutions are allegedly used selectively against political figures.
The coalition referred to international legal protections against arbitrary detention, including Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In addition, the group called on several opposition leaders in Nigeria to speak out publicly. Those named included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The coalition urged them and other democratic actors to defend constitutional governance and speak out against any harassment 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 group concluded by urging the Nigerian government to proceed with prosecution if credible evidence exists against the former governor, or release him immediately if no charges are ready, emphasising that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law.
