ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that the continued detention of former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai is politically motivated, directly linked to his membership in the opposition party. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Okonkwo accused President Tinubu of “using his authority as commander-in-chief to deploy the instrumentality of anti-corruption agencies.”
He condemned the detention without charge as unconstitutional, stating: “That is illegal, and any such order is unconstitutional. If el-Rufai committed any crime, please bring him to trial, grant him bail, so that if he is convicted, fine, nobody in ADC is quarrelling against the rule of law.”
Okonkwo argued that arrest should come after investigation completion, not before, stressing that “it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the guilt of the suspect, not the suspect to defend his innocence.” El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, with a fresh 14-day detention order granted March 11.
Key Points
Okonkwo alleges el-Rufai’s detention is political persecution for joining ADC.
Accuses Tinubu of using anti-graft agencies to target opposition.
Calls indefinite detention without charge unconstitutional.
Demands trial or release, insists prosecution must prove guilt.
El-Rufai in ICPC custody since Feb 19; fresh 14-day order granted March 11.
Kenneth Okonkwo frames el-Rufai’s ordeal as political persecution, a warning that joining the opposition comes at a cost, and in Nigeria, that cost may be your freedom.
Sources: Channels Television Interview
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