Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, don appear for court for Kaduna today under heavy security arrangement wey make journalists no fit enter the court premises. The case wey dey before the court na about 10-count fraud charge wey the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) bring against am.
According to reports wey we gather, security operatives from police and Department of State Services (DSS) block all entrances to the court, make only lawyers and court officials fit enter. Many journalists wey come cover the case complain say dem no allow dem enter, even with their press ID cards.
El-Rufai dey face allegations of corrupt practices during his time as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. The ICPC accuse am of money laundering and abuse of office. The case dey before Justice Mohammed Lawal of the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
This court appearance come after weeks of legal battle between El-Rufai and anti-corruption agencies. Earlier this month, DSS carry out search for El-Rufai house for Abuja after dem get search warrant from magistrate court. El-Rufai don challenge the search warrant for court, say na illegal action.
The former governor don file case against ICPC, one FCT Chief Magistrate, Inspector General of Police, and Attorney General of the Federation. E dey demand N1 billion as damages for what e call breach of his fundamental rights. E want court declare the search “invalid, null, and void” and order return of all items wey dem seize.
Legal experts wey we talk to say the case go test sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and the 1999 Constitution. Section 143 of ACJA give police officer power to apply for search warrant when dem dey investigate case. Section 144 say court fit issue warrant if dem see reasonable ground.
But El-Rufai lawyers dey argue say the magistrate wey issue the warrant no follow due process. Dem dey rely on Section 37 of the Constitution wey guarantee privacy of citizens, their homes, and correspondence. However, Section 45 of the same Constitution allow limitation of these rights when na for public interest.
Many people dey watch this case with interest because of El-Rufai reputation as strong man during his time as governor. As governor, e dey known for tough actions against political opponents. Some prominent victims include senators Suleiman Hunkuyi and Ahmed Makarfi, plus the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).
Journalists wey report about El-Rufai administration during his time as governor also suffer. Midat Joseph of Leadership newspaper, Jacob Dickson of Authentic News, Luka Biniyat of Vanguard newspaper, and freelance journalist Stephen Kefas all experience arrest and detention. Audu Maikori, lawyer and music mogul, and Dr. John Danfulani, university lecturer, also face similar treatment.
Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, narrowly escape arrest when e contradict El-Rufai claim about killing of 66 Fulani for Kajuru, southern Kaduna. Odinkalu use reports from Police, DSS and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) show say El-Rufai information na false.
Now say El-Rufai don leave office, many of these victims dey watch as e dey face similar treatment wey e give dem. Some commentators say na irony of life, as the hunter don turn to the hunted.
Political analysts wey we consult say this case go have implications for how former governors dey treated after dem leave office. For Nigeria, many former governors wey face corruption allegations don escape prosecution, but this El-Rufai case fit set new precedent.
The case adjourn till April 15 for continuation of hearing. Justice Lawal order all parties maintain peace and allow legal process follow its course. The judge warn against media trial and say court go decide the matter based on evidence wey dem present.
Security remain tight around the court premises as at the time we dey report this news. Police Public Relations Officer for Kaduna Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirm say dem increase security to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
ICPC spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, say the commission ready to prove their case against El-Rufai. E assure Nigerians say the case go follow due process and no go dey influenced by political considerations.
El-Rufai lawyers, led by Mr. Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), maintain say their client innocent of all charges. Dem accuse ICPC of political persecution and say dem go prove their case for court.
As Nigeria dey fight against corruption, this El-Rufai case go serve as important test for the country legal system and anti-corruption agencies. Many Nigerians dey watch to see if the case go end with conviction or if na another high-profile case wey go die for court.
The next hearing for April 15 go determine how the case go proceed. Both sides don promise to present strong arguments, and legal experts predict say the case fit last for months or even years before final determination.
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