Law Has Become A Tool Of Fear In Nigeria” — El-Rufai Slams Government

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday criticised what he called the rising trend of unlawful detentions in Nigeria, warning that it threatens democracy and erodes public trust in government.

He spoke at the 23rd Annual Trust Dialogue held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre in Kado, Abuja, which brought together political leaders, policy experts and other stakeholders to deliberate on governance and national development.

El-Rufai said the justice system exists to defend citizens’ rights, not to intimidate or instil fear in them.

“The law should protect citizens, not frighten them, as is increasingly the case in Nigeria. Detention without due process must come to an end,” he said.

He noted that holding individuals without trial or legal backing amounts to a violation of fundamental human rights and runs contrary to the rule of law guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

According to him, no nation can achieve sustainable progress when security agencies operate beyond legal limits, stressing that respect for the rule of law is the bedrock of any functioning democracy.

El-Rufai warned that the abuse of state power to harass, intimidate or silence citizens weakens democratic institutions and undermines accountability.

He therefore called on authorities to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate strictly within the law, emphasising that adherence to due process is crucial to rebuilding public confidence in government.

He added that democracy can only flourish when citizens are assured that their rights are protected and that justice is applied fairly and equally to all.