The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the detentions of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami.
ThelensNG reports that El-Rufai was detained over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor, as well as accusations of cybercrime and national security breaches. Similarly, Malami was detained due to investigations by the EFCC and DSS into allegations of massive corruption, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
Reacting to the development on Monday, Obi urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end the persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
“The integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability,” he said, describing the arrests and detentions of El-Rufai and Malami as worrisome.
Obi argued that the timing of the arrests, coinciding with the duo’s commitment to ensure the current administration is voted out in 2027, raises serious questions.
He stressed that the methods used in their apprehension contradict the principles of the rule of law, noting that prosecutorial decisions must be grounded in concrete evidence and probable cause, transparently presented without ulterior motives.
He also asserted that the undue denial of bail, or the imposition of unjustly stringent bail conditions, leaves little doubt that the government is wielding criminal prosecution as a weapon against political opponents.
“The situation surrounding Malam El-Rufai is particularly concerning; his repeated transfers between the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS suggest a desperate search for any charge that might stick, straying dangerously close to a fishing expedition rather than a credible investigation.”
Obi emphasised that Nigeria requires a civil and criminal justice system that instills confidence in every citizen — that no one should fear persecution for their political beliefs or actions disapproved by those in power.
He stated that the criminal trial process must adhere strictly to legal standards, adding that the government must cease efforts to undermine political opponents under the pretense of combating corruption and wrongdoing, as Nigerians approach the 2027 elections.
While expressing support for the fight against corruption and wrongdoing, Obi pointed out that it must be conducted with integrity and transparency, starting with those currently in power rather than targeting opponents.
He further mentioned that a credible anti-corruption and anti-wrongdoing campaign cannot afford to be selective.
