El-Rufai Urges Peace Amid Ongoing Legal Battles

In a video message released by his media aide Muyiwa Adekey, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, appealed to Nigerians to refrain from using violence, specifically advising against settling quarrels with machetes. This message was made amid concerns regarding his continued detention related to legal battles with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai acknowledged the possibility of prolonged detention and emphasized the importance of peace, law, and order as foundational elements of a democratic society. He urged citizens to channel grievances through established institutions rather than resorting to mob justice.

El-Rufai's appeal coincided with a decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik, which declined to entertain his bail application, describing it as premature. The court adjourned the matter until April 23, 2026, for proper arraignment.