Gossip • 7h ago
Release El-Rufai or file charges — Datti-Ahmed warns FG
**Nasir El-Rufai: FG Must Choose Between Release or Charges, Says Datti-Ahmed**
In a statement that has sparked debate nationwide, the Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC), led by Aminu Datti-Ahmed, has advised the Federal Government to either release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai or formally charge him in court. This call comes as the 14-day remand order, which was initially granted to allow investigators to complete their work, is set to expire.
COPAC emphasizes that this is not about El-Rufai's personal situation, but rather about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their position, are treated fairly. The group notes that the remand order was granted for a specific purpose and should not be misconstrued as permission for indefinite detention or political manipulation.
Datti-Ahmed, the leader of COPAC, has also appealed to prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others, to speak out against what they describe as attempts to intimidate opposition politicians. According to him, Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the liberty of every citizen and requires that investigative detention be temporary and followed by either formal charges or release.
The group has warned that any action outside these options would be a violation of El-Rufai's constitutional rights and an unconstitutional use of state power. They have therefore advised the Federal Government to either file formal charges before a competent court or release El-Rufai immediately.
This development comes at a time when there are growing concerns about the abuse of power and selective justice in Nigeria. The call by COPAC is a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all Nigerians are treated equally under the law.