El-Rufai: MURIC Questions Delay in Bail Hearing, Alleges Political Undertone

-
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai


The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has raised concerns over the adjournment of the bail hearing of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing the delay as one that lends credence to claims of political motivation.

In a statement issued on April 23, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group reacted to the decision of the Kaduna State High Court to adjourn the matter to the first week of June.

The case, which came up before Darius Khobo on April 21, was adjourned with the court noting that it was in the interest of justice for the defendant to remain in custody to ensure his availability for trial.

While acknowledging the authority of the court, MURIC argued that the length of the adjournment in what it described as a bailable offence raises questions about fairness and due process.

The group noted that El-Rufai had voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in February and had remained cooperative throughout the process. It added that he later appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to face multiple charges.

According to MURIC, the former governor has been in detention since February 16, 2026, and may spend up to three and a half months in custody by the time the bail application is revisited in June.

The organisation further argued that such prolonged detention contrasts with typical timelines for politicians facing corruption-related charges in Nigeria, where detention often lasts days or weeks.

MURIC said the situation has fueled concerns among opposition groups, who view the development as indicative of a possible political witch-hunt.

Reaffirming its stance, the group stressed the need for justice to be both fair and timely, warning that prolonged delays could undermine public confidence in the judicial process.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the statement added, calling for an expedited hearing and the release of the former governor.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CAPPA Backs FG’s Health Tax Policy, Seeks Higher Levy on Sugary Drinks

-
Image
  The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to channel excise-tax revenues from alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) into health financing, but urged authorities to raise the levy on sugary drinks to make it more effective. At a national health-financing dialogue in Abuja, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed that a draft policy is being finalised to earmark revenues from “sin taxes” for healthcare.  The proposal will soon be submitted to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Responding in a statement issued by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe on Monday, CAPPA said the move marks a decisive step towards addressing Nigeria’s public health crisis, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease now accounting for nearly 30 per cent of deaths nationwide. Executive Director of CA...
Read more

UNILAG Alumni Association to Mark 55th Anniversary with Awards, Fundraising for Education Support

-
Image
The University of Lagos Alumni Association has unveiled plans for its 55th Anniversary Awards and Recognition Dinner, scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Speaking at a news briefing in Akoka, President of the Association, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, said the event will celebrate distinguished alumni while raising funds to strengthen education at the institution.  Proceeds, he noted, will support scholarships for indigent students, provide research and teaching equipment, and fund a new 1,800-bed hostel project. Vice President Kashim Shettima will be the Special Guest of Honour, while eminent physician, Olorogun Dr. Sonny Kuku, will chair the occasion. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, will also be in attendance alongside top dignitaries. The Association will present awards in three categories. The Alumni Platinum Award will be conferred on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, Chief Justice of Nigeria; Chief Wole Olanipe...
Read more

World Food Day: CAPPA Warns Against Corporate Capture of Nigeria’s Food System

-
Image
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Food Day 2025, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised concern over the growing dominance of ultra-processed foods in the country’s food system, warning that weak regulation and unchecked corporate influence are endangering public health. In a statement signed by CAPPA’s Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, and released in Lagos on Thursday, the group said the government must urgently strengthen laws that protect citizens from deceptive marketing and unhealthy food products. The statement quoted Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, as saying that multinational food and beverage companies are expanding their reach through aggressive advertising and sponsorships that target children, young people, and low-income communities. “Corporations are flooding our markets with ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, using deceptive marketing to present them as healthy, modern, ...
Read more