The Network for Democracy and Development (NDD) has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption authorities to review the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning that prolonged custody could undermine public confidence in the country’s justice system.
In a statement issued in Lagos on September 11, the civil society group said El-Rufai had been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for more than 200 days in connection with offences it described as bailable.
The NDD stressed that it supports firm action against corruption but argued that the campaign must be conducted within the boundaries of the law.
“Due process is not a mere technicality,” the group said, describing it as “the moral authority upon which the anti-corruption fight stands.”
It added that a case before the courts does not amount to a conviction, while detention by the ICPC should not become equivalent to a prison sentence.
Citing Sections 35 and 36 of Nigeria’s Constitution, the organisation said citizens are entitled to personal liberty, a timely trial, a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.
It urged the Attorney General of the Federation and the ICPC leadership to immediately review the basis and duration of El-Rufai’s detention, comply strictly with constitutional timelines and bail provisions, and proceed with any prosecution openly and without delay.
The group warned that when detention extends beyond what is reasonable, concerns about fairness and predictability can spread beyond the individual case and damage trust in public institutions.
Nigeria, the Civil Society Group said, must pursue accountability and due process together—not sacrifice one in the name of the other.