Atiku Abubakar Claims El-Rufai's Detention is Political

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has stated that the recent detention and arraignment of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, by the Department of State Services (DSS) is politically motivated. El-Rufai was taken into custody on Wednesday and is facing trial at the Federal High Court in Kaduna for alleged corruption related to offenses under the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

The court has adjourned the trial until April 14, with a bail hearing scheduled for a subsequent date. Atiku's statement, conveyed by his spokesperson Paul Ibe, criticized the DSS's actions, suggesting that they are part of a broader political strategy to undermine El-Rufai.

He emphasized that El-Rufai is entitled to chart his political course, which is a fundamental aspect of democracy. The situation reflects ongoing tensions within Nigerian politics, particularly regarding the treatment of political figures.