Tension Rises As ADC Bigwig Confronts ICPC, Seeks El-Rufai’s Release

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Usman Okai Austin, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to either formally charge former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, or release him without delay.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Okai criticised the anti-graft agency for allegedly detaining El-Rufai before concluding its investigation.

He compared the situation to the recent approach of the Department of State Services (DSS), which he said has demonstrated a preference for judicial procedures over what he described as “drama and a show of power.”

According to Okai, “The DSS’s decision to approach a court of law rather than resort to arbitrary detention is both civil and democratic. The appropriate way to handle such matters is to allow the courts to decide based on merit. By contrast, the ICPC’s current actions suggest it is placing itself above the law.”

Okai maintained that detaining a person prior to completing investigations is “retrogressive, undemocratic, and unlawful.” He noted that El-Rufai had previously honoured an invitation from the EFCC voluntarily, arguing that this demonstrates he is not a flight risk.

The ADC chieftain also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s movement between agencies.

“The EFCC has not clarified whether Mallam El-Rufai was formally handed over to the ICPC or re-arrested after being granted administrative bail. This lack of clarity undermines the rule of law,” he said.

Okai stressed that safeguarding the rights of individuals presumed innocent until proven guilty is a cornerstone of international best practice. He cautioned anti-corruption agencies against becoming instruments of oppression.

“Detaining a suspect before beginning an investigation amounts to a serious violation of the right to fair hearing. The ICPC must uphold the standards of a civilised society. If there is evidence against El-Rufai, it should be presented in court. If not, he should be released immediately,” he added.