Release El-Rufai or file charges — Datti-Ahmed warns FG

The Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC), led by Aminu Datti-Ahmed, has urged the Federal Government to either release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai or formally charge him in court, warning that keeping him in custody beyond the approved remand period would violate the Constitution.

The call follows growing debate over El-Rufai’s continued detention after the 14-day remand order earlier obtained by investigators expired.

According to the group, the court order was granted strictly to allow investigators complete their work within a specified timeframe. With that period now over, authorities must either proceed with formal charges or release the former governor.

“This is not about El-Rufai. This is about ensuring that the law remains a level playing field. The rule of law must never become a selective weapon used against those who fall out of favour with those in power,” the group said.

COPAC stated that the 14-day remand order was granted for a specific and limited purpose and should not be interpreted as permission for indefinite detention or political manipulation.

Datti-Ahmed also called on prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to speak out against what the group described as attempts to intimidate opposition politicians.

According to him, Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the liberty of every citizen and makes it clear that investigative detention must be temporary and followed within a reasonable time by either formal charges in court or the release of the detainee.

“The Federal Government must now do one of two things: file formal charges before a competent court or release the detainee immediately,” the group said.

It warned that any action outside these options would amount to an illegal and unconstitutional use of state power and a violation of El-Rufai’s constitutional rights.

The group also said such a situation would conflict with Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights laws, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which both prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention.

Beyond the immediate case, Datti-Ahmed said the situation raises wider concerns about the use of state institutions in political disputes.

He warned that the country could face serious democratic risks if investigative powers are deployed against political actors in ways that raise questions about selectivity, timing and motive.

The group added that silence from other opposition leaders at such a moment could be dangerous for democratic accountability.

Reaffirming its position, COPAC said authorities must strictly follow the law.

“If the government has evidence, it should file charges. If it does not, it must release the detainee,” the group said.

“The law is not optional. The Constitution is not a suggestion. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a police state.”