Why Treat El-Rufai Like Someone Running Away? – Peter Obi Blasts ICPC

A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has warned that the continued detention of the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) amounts to political persecution.

He shared his reservations on Sunday at a meeting with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna.

The ADC chieftain argued that the law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty.

“It is a 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.

“How do you tell somebody you’re inviting him, and he came back voluntarily in the country on his own, and you’re treating him like somebody who was running away? No. Let the law follow his cause. I’ve said it. I’ve written about it, and I continue to say so,” Obi said.

El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna, has been in ICPC custody since February 18. This followed his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Department of State Services (DSS) has charged him with cybercrime, with a court hearing set for April 23, 2026.

But the ex-governor has filed lawsuits against the DSS and ICPC, accusing the agencies of abuse of power and unlawful detention.

The ICPC said he is being detained as investigations into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office deepen.