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El-Rufai Facing Political Persecution, He Shouldn’t Be Treated Like A Fugitive, Says Obi
El-Rufai Facing Political Persecution, He Shouldn’t Be Treated Like A Fugitive, Says Obi
El-Rufai facing political persecution. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has described the detention and trial of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, as “political persecution”.
Speaking in Kaduna during a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obi said el-Rufai is being treated as a fugitive despite returning to the country willingly from Egypt.
The former Anambra governor said the law stipulates that anyone accused of a crime should be treated with dignity until they are proven guilty.
“It is political persecution. We have a law, and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail,” Obi said.
“How do you tell somebody you’re inviting him, and he came back voluntarily to the country, and you’re treating him like somebody who was running away.
“Let the law run its course. I have said it. I’ve written about it, and I continue to say so.”
Obi and el-Rufai recently joined the ADC as part of a gale of defectors who intend to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre in 2027.
In 2023, the ex-minister was one of Obi’s biggest critics .
THE ARREST
On February 12, there was mild drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when security operatives attempted to arrest el-Rufai as he arrived from Cairo.
Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to the former governor, alleged that operatives approached el-Rufai shortly after he disembarked from his flight but he declined to accompany them in the absence of a formal invitation.
On February 16, el-Rufai voluntarily presented himself at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19 — after he was released by the EFCC.
On March 5, the magistrate court extended the initial remand order for el-Rufai by another 14 days.
Peter Obi
There have been several calls for the commission to release or arraign el-Rufai.
El-Rufai had filed a fundamental rights suit before the federal high court in Abuja over the search conducted on his residence by the ICPC and the remand order issued on February 19.
The ICPC, the chief magistrate who issued the order, the inspector-general of police (IGP), and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) are respondents in the suit.
On Tuesday morning, el-Rufai arrived at the federal high court in Kaduna for his arraignment.
IGP Disu Directs Statewide Town Hall Engagements, Strengthens Community Policing Initiative
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, has directed all Commissioners of Police across the country to intensify community policing efforts through regular town hall engagements and improved public accessibility within their respective Commands.
The directive was issued during the Emergency Conference with Commissioners of Police and members of the press held at, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the IGP, effective policing cannot succeed without the trust, cooperation, and active participation of the people. He emphasized that security remains a collective responsibility requiring strong collaboration between the Police and communities.
As part of the initiative, Commissioners of Police have been directed to hold regular interactive sessions with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organizations, market associations, transport unions, women groups, and other community-based institutions.
Eereporter.com
The Inspector-General further directed all Commissioners of Police to make their contact details accessible to recognized community leaders within their states, in order to strengthen communication, improve responsiveness, and build public confidence in policing operations.
IGP Disu
The IGP noted that community-driven intelligence remains vital in combating crime and addressing emerging security threats, stressing that stronger police-community relationships will enhance public safety and operational effectiveness nationwide.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to a people-centered and accountable policing system anchored on partnership, transparency, and mutual trust.
DCP ANTHONY PLACID, psc (+), mnipr, mni, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, 8th May, 2026
IGP Received Delegation From ICRC At Force Headquarters, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC (+), NPM, yesterday, 07/05/2026 received a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Eereporter.com
The meeting explored strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the ICRC, particularly in areas of humanitarian law, detention monitoring, and the welfare of persons in police custody.
IGP Received Delegation From ICRC
The IGP reaffirmed his commitment to upholding human dignity and international standards in law enforcement operations.
CAS Hails NAF Nurses As Lifesavers During 2026 International Nurses’ Week Celebration
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended nurses of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for their dedication, professionalism, and invaluable contributions to healthcare delivery as the Service marked the 2026 International Nurses’ Week celebration at the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences (NAFCONS) on 7 May 2026.
The CAS described NAF nurses as lifesavers and critical pillars in sustaining the health, readiness, and operational effectiveness of personnel across the Service. He noted that beyond their clinical expertise, nurses continue to demonstrate compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment in both peace and conflict situations, thereby reinforcing the effectiveness of military healthcare support systems.
Eereporter.com
Represented by the Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Air Commodore AJ Arumona, the CAS reaffirmed the commitment of the NAF leadership to strengthening healthcare delivery through continuous training, capacity development, and institutional support.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” Air Marshal Aneke stressed that empowering nurses through education, professional development, and conducive working environments remains essential to quality healthcare delivery and mission success.
He added that sustained investment in nursing personnel represents a strategic investment in the future of healthcare within the Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFCONS, Wing Commander VA Dung, applauded nurses and student nurses for their dedication to the noble profession, describing them as pillars of strength within the healthcare system.
CAS Hails NAF Nurses As Lifesavers
He urged them to uphold the highest ethical standards, embrace innovation, and remain steadfast in their pursuit of professional excellence.
The event featured a series of lectures and engagements focused on leadership, resilience, professional growth, and the evolving role of nurses in modern healthcare delivery, further underscoring the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to building a highly skilled and motivated medical workforce.
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