By Seun Ibiyemi
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised alarm over what he described as a coordinated attempt to malign his reputation, following recent developments surrounding his ongoing legal challenges.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai alleged that efforts to undermine him began with what he termed an attempted arrest at the Abuja airport upon his return from Cairo on February 12, 2026.
He further disclosed that after honouring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, he was detained and later transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18.
According to the statement, El-Rufai remains in custody and has been arraigned before two separate high courts.
The statement also took issue with a report published on April 18 by The Nation, which alleged that gunmen invaded the residence of a principal witness in one of the cases against him.
The report cited the witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, as linking the incident to his role in the corruption trial and suggesting it could be an attempt to silence him.
El-Rufai’s camp, however, described the publication as containing “false imputations” and “innuendos” aimed at implicating him in criminal acts, including serious offences.
It argued that the report was designed to damage his reputation and influence ongoing judicial proceedings, including his pending bail application.
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The former governor denied any connection to the alleged incident and maintained that he is a law-abiding citizen.
He has instructed his legal team to commence defamation proceedings against the newspaper.
The statement further alleged that since 2023, El-Rufai has been subjected to sustained attacks and vilification despite what it described as his record of public service and contributions to national unity.
Calling for adherence to due process, the statement stressed that the rule of law must not be used as a tool of oppression. It urged that El-Rufai be granted his fundamental rights and fair treatment under the law while his trial continues.
