The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strongly worded condemnation of what it describes as a “coordinated political persecution” of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of deploying federal institutions to silence a perceived political rival.

In a comprehensive statement released at the weekend, the civil rights group alleged that multiple agencies — including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Department of State Services (DSS) — are being used in what it termed a “layered legal dragnet” designed to keep El-Rufai entangled in overlapping prosecutions and prolonged detention.

HURIWA asserts that this represents a calculated political persecution, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deploying and overreaching the authority of the key state institutions to target former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whom it describes as a political adversary.

“A Pattern of Endless Charges”

HURIWA pointed to the evolution of the case — from an initial three-count charge to a broader five-count amended charge — as evidence of what it called a deliberate strategy of legal escalation.

“This pattern of duplicating, amending, and expanding charges is not prosecution — it is persecution. It is a calculated attempt to detain a citizen indefinitely under the guise of law,” the group said.

According to HURIWA, such tactics violate constitutional guarantees of fair hearing and due process, warning that “justice cannot thrive where charges are weaponised for political ends.”

Judiciary Under Pressure?

The group further alleges that the judiciary has been severely compromised by executive overreach, warning that courts risk being perceived as instruments of political enforcement rather than independent arbiters of justice, thereby eroding public confidence in the rule of law.

The group raised alarm over what it described as a troubling perception of executive influence over the judiciary, cautioning that public confidence in the courts is at risk.

“The judiciary must stand as the last line of defence for the ordinary citizen. Any suggestion that it is compromised or acting under influence is dangerous for democracy,” the statement read.

HURIWA in the statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, warned that the unfolding developments raise fundamental questions about governance in Nigeria.

“When institutions appear aligned against one individual in a politically sensitive context, Nigerians are right to ask: is this democracy in practice, or power without restraint?” it queried.

Bail Denial Sparks Legal Outrage

HURIWA came down hard on the ruling of the Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, which denied El-Rufai bail.

Describing the decision as “an abuse of judicial discretion,” the group argued that the court relied on speculative fears rather than verifiable evidence.

“It is settled law that bail should not be denied on conjecture. The court’s reliance on unproven allegations of interference represents a dangerous departure from established legal principles,” HURIWA stated.

The group further warned that continued detention undermines El-Rufai’s constitutional right to adequately prepare his defence.

“A defendant cannot be expected to mount a robust legal defence while held under restrictive custody conditions. This amounts to an indirect punishment before conviction,” it added.

Call for Proportionate Justice

While distancing itself from any endorsement of El-Rufai’s political record, HURIWA stressed that rights must apply universally.

“This is not about personalities. It is about principles. Even those we disagree with politically are entitled to justice, fairness, and due process,” the group said.

It also noted that allegations against the former governor must be proven in court, not pre-judged through procedural tactics.

Demands for Immediate Action.

HURIWA issued a set of urgent demands aimed at restoring credibility to the legal process:

• Immediate harmonisation of all charges across agencies to eliminate duplication

• Grant of bail under strict conditions to enable proper defence preparation

• Full disclosure of evidence to the defence in line with fair trial standards

• Judicial independence free from any real or perceived executive interference

The group emphasised that bail conditions — including passport seizure, reporting requirements, and restrictions on witness contact — could adequately address concerns without resorting to indefinite detention.

Warning of Wider Implications

HURIWA cautioned that the implications of the case extend beyond one individual, warning that misuse of state power could erode democratic institutions and civil liberties.

“When the law is bent to target one citizen, it sets a precedent that can be used against any Nigerian,” the statement warned.

It added that selective enforcement of laws risks deepening political tensions and undermining national stability.

Final Word

“The rule of law must not be reduced to a tool of political convenience,” HURIWA declared.

“Nigeria must choose — a system governed by law, or one driven by unchecked power. Justice must be fair, transparent, and impartial, or it ceases to be justice at all.”

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