Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has commended the federal government over the temporary release of former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and other related Offences custody.
El-Rufai’s release followed the demise of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt on Friday.
His son, Bashir El-Rufai confirmed the ex-governor’s release in an X post.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Adeyanju said the decision to allow El-Rufai to attend his mother’s funeral reflects a necessary balance between the demands of justice and respect for fundamental human dignity.
According to the statement, “The decision to grant Mallam Nasir El-Rufai temporary release from Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and other related Offences custody to attend his mother’s burial is both humane and commendable but must be backed by court decision/order since he was remanded in custody on the order of the court.
“The decision to allow Elrufai to attend his mother’s funeral reflects a necessary balance between the demands of justice and respect for fundamental human dignity.
“Bail, whether administrative or judicial, should not be misconstrued as an escape from accountability, but rather as a lawful and compassionate accommodation in deserving circumstances.
“This action by the authorities is a welcome demonstration of empathy while upholding the rule of law.”
Recall that El-Rufai was initially detained on February 16, 2026, after voluntarily honouring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
He was granted administrative bail late on February 18 but was immediately re-arrested by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the EFCC premises.
On March 24, ICPC formally arraigned him alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
He was arraigned on charges including alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering to which he pleaded not guilty.
The court adjourned ruling on his bail application to March 31, 2026.
